Morrisons has revealed that storing bananas next to other fruit significantly shortens their shelf life due to the release of ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that accelerates ripening. The supermarket chain recommends keeping bananas in a separate bowl or on a plate away from other fruits to prevent them from turning brown, spotty, and mushy within days.
Why Bananas Spoil Faster in a Fruit Bowl
Ethylene gas is released by bananas through their stems and acts as a ripening agent. When bananas are placed in a fruit bowl with other produce, the gas accumulates, causing not only the bananas but also neighboring fruits to ripen too quickly. Natalie from Morrisons explained: “Don’t keep bananas next to other fruit as the bananas release a gas called ethylene that will cause your fruits to ripen too quickly. Don’t keep ripe bananas in a plastic bag either as this seals the ethylene in and causes them to go brown/black.”
Simple Storage Tips for Longer-Lasting Bananas
To maximize freshness, Morrisons suggests separating bananas from the bunch and wrapping each stem in tin foil or clingfilm. This blocks the release of ethylene gas, helping bananas stay yellow for 10 to 14 days longer. Additionally, keep bananas away from heat sources like windows or stoves, and avoid refrigerating green bananas as cold temperatures hinder proper ripening. Once bananas begin to brown, placing them in the fridge can slow further spoilage. By following these methods, households can reduce food waste and enjoy bananas at their peak ripeness for up to two extra weeks.
