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Bananas will last 3 to 5 days longer if covered in 1 common kitchen item

Bananas can ripen quickly, but experts say one everyday kitchen item could help keep stay fresher for longer

[young woman buys fresh fruits and vegetables at the market]

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Bananas stay fresher for longer thanks to this trick(Image: Getty Images)

Bananas are among the UK's most popular fruits, yet they often seem to turn brown before people have a chance to eat them. Fortunately, food storage experts say one common kitchen item could help keep them fresh for up to five days longer.

While many people simply leave bananas in a fruit bowl, experts say wrapping the stems in cling film can slow the ripening process. The simple trick works by reducing the amount of ethylene gas released from the stem, helping the fruit stay yellow for longer.

According to Dole, bananas naturally produce ethylene gas as they ripen. Most of this gas is released through the stems, meaning wrapping the crown of the bunch with cling film can help slow the ripening process.

How to make bananas stay fresh for longer

[Cling film]

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Cling film costs less than 1 at retailers like Poundland and Home Bargains(Image: Getty Images)

Dole says tightly wrapping the stems of a bunch of bananas with cling film or plastic wrap can help keep them fresh for three to five extra days. For the best results, experts recommend wrapping each banana stem individually once they have been separated from the bunch.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) states that bananas continue to ripen after being picked because of the ethylene gas they naturally produce. Storing them correctly can therefore make a noticeable difference to how long they remain at their best.

According to Love Food Hate Waste, bananas should be stored at room temperature rather than in the fridge while they are still green or yellow. Refrigeration can cause the peel to darken more quickly, although the fruit inside often remains perfectly edible.

Food waste campaigners also advise keeping bananas away from other fruit where possible. According to Love Food Hate Waste, apples, pears and avocados also release ethylene gas, which can speed up the ripening of nearby bananas.

Experts say bananas are best stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or sources of heat. Hanging them on a banana hook or storing them where air can circulate freely may also help reduce bruising and extend freshness.

Even if banana skins develop brown spots, the fruit inside is often still safe to eat. According to the USDA, overripe bananas can be frozen for use in smoothies, banana bread or baking, helping to reduce unnecessary food waste.

With food prices continuing to put pressure on household budgets, making fruit last a few extra days could help families waste less and save money. Wrapping banana stems in cling film is a quick, low-cost trick backed by food experts that could keep them fresher for longer.

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