Bananas can last days longer if stored using simple 5p hack

Bananas are one of the UK’s most favourite fruits, but they can quickly turn brown and overripe if they’re not stored correctly.

Fortunately, food experts say there is a simple trick that could help keep bananas fresher for longer using an item many households already have in their kitchen.

The hack involves wrapping the stems, or crown, of a bunch of bananas with a small piece of aluminium foil.

The method costs only a few pence and could help slow the ripening process by reducing the release of ethylene gas.

According to fruit producer Dole, bananas naturally emit ethylene gas as they ripen. Much of this gas is released through the stem, which means covering the crown can help slow down the speed at which the fruit matures.

As a result, bananas may remain yellow and firm for longer before developing the brown spots that signal they are nearing the end of their shelf life.

The simple storage tip has become increasingly popular online as households look for ways to reduce food waste and make groceries last longer.

Food experts explain that while bananas continue to ripen after they are picked, limiting their exposure to ethylene gas can help delay the process. Wrapping the stems creates a barrier that reduces the amount of gas reaching the rest of the fruit.

For the best results, bananas should also be stored at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. Experts advise against placing them in the fridge while they are still green or yellow, as cold temperatures can affect the skin and alter the ripening process.

Another important tip is to keep bananas separate from other fruits such as apples, pears and avocados. These fruits also produce ethylene gas and can cause bananas to ripen more quickly when stored together.

The foil trick is one of several food storage methods recommended by experts to help households get more value from their weekly shop.

With food prices continuing to put pressure on household budgets, small changes to how fruit is stored could help reduce waste and prevent perfectly good produce from ending up in the bin.

For banana lovers, the low-cost foil hack could be a simple way to squeeze a few extra days out of every bunch.