Bananas can stay fresh for up to five days longer when their stems are wrapped in cling film, according to food experts. The simple kitchen hack reduces the release of ethylene gas, which naturally ripens the fruit after picking.
How Cling Film Slows Ripening
Bananas continue to ripen after harvest because they produce ethylene gas. Wrapping the stems — where much of the gas is emitted — traps the ethylene and slows the process. Love Food Hate Waste confirms that controlling ethylene output can significantly extend freshness and reduce food waste.
Fruit experts at Waitrose recommend wrapping the crown of a banana bunch with cling film or foil soon after bringing them home. They say this step can add three to five days of freshness.
Storing Bananas Away from Other Fruit
Riverford Organic Farmers advises keeping bananas away from apples, pears, avocados, and tomatoes, as these also emit ethylene. Storing them together in a fruit bowl accelerates ripening for all items.
Bananas should be kept at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Refrigerating unripe bananas can darken the skins, though the inside remains edible.
Using Overripe Bananas
Love Food Hate Waste notes that overripe bananas can be frozen for smoothies or used in recipes like banana bread, muffins, and pancakes. This helps households avoid throwing away edible fruit.
Food waste remains a major issue in the UK, with millions of edible items discarded each year. Simple storage advice like wrapping stems can help fruit last longer and reduce unnecessary waste at home.
