An expert shared the little-known food storage hack that keeps Bananas fresh for 2 weeks (Image: Getty)
Bananas are among the most in UK households, often discarded as they ripen and turn brown too quickly.
However, waste management specialists claimed that a simple trick can keep bananas fresh for up to 14 days, helping families reduce waste and save money.
Bananas release ethylene gas, which speeds up ripening.
The experts explained this further.
They said: “Wrapping the stems in foil slows this process significantly.
“Once they’re fully ripe, putting them in the fridge stops them from ripening further – without affecting the quality of the fruit.”
Bananas are among the most frequently wasted fruits in UK households (Image: Getty)
The trick, originally shared on social media, only works after bananas are fully ripe. Storing unripe bananas in the fridge can negatively impact their taste and texture.
When bananas are stored in the fridge, their peel darkens or turns brown due to the cold temperature slowing down the ripening process while affecting the skin’s pigmentation.
However, this change is only cosmetic – the banana inside remains fresh, firm, and perfectly edible for a longer period.
Experts recommend refrigerating ripe bananas to extend their shelf life, even if the peel darkens.
They added: “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.”
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Many people discard bananas as soon as they become overripe, contributing to food waste.
Food waste is a major problem in the UK, where households dispose of millions of tonnes of food annually, including large amounts of fruit. This waste not only impacts household budgets but also contributes to environmental issues, such as increased carbon emissions and resource wastage (water, land, and energy used to grow the food).
Reducing banana waste can be achieved by proper storage, using overripe bananas in recipes, or freezing them for later use.
So, by applying this trick, the experts believe that food waste can be reduced, too.
The experts added: “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.”