Bananas need to be stored correctly to best preserve their flavour and texture (Image: Getty)
Bananas are a staple kitchen food in most UK households but the fruit has a frustratingly short shelf life, which means it can often end up being wasted if it’s not eaten in time.
specialists say bananas are one of the most wasted in UK homes and are often tossed in the bin because they too quickly. This is because bananas are one of the biggest producers of ethylene gas – a natural chemical compound that promotes ripening. The gas helps to aid the change in colour and softness of bananas, causing the starches to break down and form sugars, giving the fruit its sweet taste and soft texture.
Experts say storing bananas in the fridge will help to keep them fresher for longer, but it’s important not to do this at the wrong time or you risk compromising the fruit’s taste and texture.
According to Wheeldon Brothers, bananas should only be put in the fridge once they are fully ripe and by doing so, the cold temperatures will prevent them from ripening further without affecting their taste.
But if you put bananas in the fridge when they haven’t yet fully ripened, this will hinder their ability to ripen any further. The peel will also turn black due to the cold and the flesh inside won’t be as soft or sweet because the fruit is no longer ripening.
A waste management specialist at Wheeldon Brothers explains: “Bananas release ethylene gas, which speeds up ripening. Once they’re fully ripe, putting them in the fridge stops them from ripening further – without affecting the quality of the fruit.
“The trick only works after bananas are fully ripe. Storing unripe bananas in the fridge can negatively impact their taste and texture.”
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One common concern is that bananas turn brown in the fridge, but the cold temperatures only affect the peel, leaving the fruit inside fresh and firm.
The specialist adds: “The brown skin often makes people think the bananas have gone bad, but the inside stays delicious. This is an easy way to cut down on food waste and get the most out of your groceries.
“Bananas ripen fast, making them one of the most commonly wasted fruits at home. Food waste is a huge issue in the UK, with households throwing away tonnes of fruit every year.
“This simple hack is a great example of how small changes can help families save money and reduce waste. By rethinking how we store everyday foods like bananas, we can all do our part in making life more sustainable.”