Bananas stay fresh and yellow for 26 days when stored in specific kitchen spot

A simple storage hack can keep bananas fresh and yellow for up to 26 days, according to a expert.

tend to spoil quickly, turning brown and mushy if not stored properly. While common methods involve wrapping the stem with cling film, aluminum foil, or a wet tissue, a new technique has emerged.

Amy Cross, who posts online under the username , shared her simple hack to prolong shelf-life. It involves slicing a banana, leaving the skin on, and placing it in a glass mason jar stored in the fridge.

After 26 days, the bananas remained fresh with yellow peel and no signs of browning. “These are the bananas I purchased on March 13,” Amy said in her video.

“I cut this into thirds and put it into a jar, so they’re 26 days old. The whole goal was to see if I could get a cut banana to last 12 hours, and it’s been 26 days.”

The hack has since gained more than 100 likes on after she shared the result with her followers. For those who prefer not to slice their bananas, storing them in a cool, shaded area at around 12°C is recommended.

Avoid warm places, such as kitchens, as they speed up the ripening process. If you want to store peeled bananas, try sprinkling lemon or pineapple juice on the fruit to prevent browning, making it perfect for use in fruit salads.

Bananas are loved for their unique flavour and , but their soft texture makes them prone to bruising. Aside from being easily damaged when dropped or even stored incorrectly, bananas also tend to turn brown within just a few days, often before they can be fully enjoyed.

Some people have called upon clever methods like buying bananas very underripe to make them last longer, but .

More ways to keep bananas fresh

Keeping bananas fresher for longer can be achieved through a combination of proper storage techniques and careful handling. Here are several tips to help extend the freshness of your bananas:

1. Separate the Bananas: Keep bananas separate from other fruits, especially apples, avocados, and tomatoes, which release ethylene gas that accelerates ripening.

2. Store at Room Temperature: Bananas should be stored at room temperature until they reach the desired ripeness. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or high temperatures.

3. Hang the Bananas: Using a banana hanger can prevent bruising and promote even airflow around the bananas, helping them stay fresh longer.

4. Wrap the Stems: Wrapping the stems of the bananas in plastic wrap or aluminum foil can slow down the release of ethylene gas, delaying the ripening process. You can also purchase pre-made banana stem wraps for convenience.

5. Refrigerate Ripe Bananas: Once the bananas are at the level of ripeness you prefer, you can place them in the refrigerator. The peel may turn brown, but the fruit inside will remain fresh for a longer period.

6. Banana Saver Bags: Special bags designed to keep bananas fresh can also be used. These bags regulate the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels around the bananas, slowing down the ripening process.