Wrapping the stems of bananas in tin foil can slow down the ripening process and keep the fruit fresher for longer, according to food experts.
Bananas typically last between two and six days when stored at room temperature, depending on how ripe they are when bought. Once fully ripe, they start to turn brown quickly, and their texture and taste can become compromised within a few days.
Warmer conditions cause bananas to ripen faster, and with temperatures still relatively mild, browning may happen more quickly.
How tin foil helps
Tin foil wrapped around the stem traps ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that triggers and accelerates ripening. The gas converts starches into sugars and breaks down cell walls, turning green bananas yellow and sweeter, while yellow bananas begin to brown.
Ethylene gas is primarily released from banana stems, so trapping it with tin foil can slow ripening and extend shelf life.
Food Republic's online advice on stopping bananas from ripening too quickly states: "Compared to other fruits and veggies, bananas are one of the biggest producers of ethylene gas, a natural chemical compound that promotes ripening.
"The majority of this gas is released through the exposed stem of the fruit, which allows a bunch of bananas to continue ripening even after it's picked from the tree.
"Wrapping the top of your bunch with aluminium helps to trap in some of the ethylene, so it won't escape into the atmosphere and touch the body of the bananas (or other produce you have sitting nearby, for that matter). This slows down browning and gives you more time to enjoy your bunch."
Alternatives and storage tips
If tin foil is not available, cling film should work just as well, and both typically cost less than £2 at most major supermarkets.
Once the stems are wrapped, it is also worth storing bananas away from other fruit, as the ethylene gas can cause nearby fruits to ripen more quickly and spoil faster. Many fruits respond to the gas released by bananas, including apples, pears, and passion fruit, but citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are unaffected.
To avoid spoiling other fruits, experts recommend hanging bananas on a banana hook, which keeps them separate and prevents bruising caused by leaning against the kitchen worktop.
