Bananas are a beloved staple in many households across the UK, but their short shelf-life can be frustrating. Often, bananas bought when fully ripe will only last two to three days before becoming overripe. If purchased green, they might last longer but can sometimes remain stubbornly unripe. However, experts have shared a simple yet effective trick to extend the freshness of bananas for up to 10 days.
One common method is to store bananas on the kitchen counter or in a fruit bowl, but this might not always be the best option if you want them to last longer. According to Kate Hall, a food preservation expert and founder of The Full Freezer, there’s a better way to keep bananas fresh once they’ve ripened—pop them in the fridge.
The Fridge Trick
Once bananas reach the perfect ripeness, storing them in the fridge can slow down the over-ripening process. Hall explains that refrigeration can extend the shelf-life of bananas by up to 10 days. She advises keeping them away from other fruits to avoid speeding up the ripening process of nearby produce, as bananas release ethylene gas that can affect other fruits.
Additionally, if your bananas are starting to become overripe, don’t toss them out just yet. You can peel and freeze them, which makes them perfect for smoothies or even homemade banana-based ice cream. This is a great way to reduce food waste while still enjoying the nutritious fruit.
Professional Advice from a Baker
Chef and professional baker Sarah Bridenstine also offers useful advice for maximising banana freshness. She suggests that if you’ve purchased green bananas, placing them in a paper bag will help them ripen faster due to the gases they naturally emit. However, once they’ve ripened, it’s important to store them in a cool place or in the fridge to prevent over-ripening and the dreaded black spots on the skin.
Bridenstine adds that while the skin may darken, the inside of the banana will remain sweet and delicious. She also recommends keeping bananas away from other fruits, especially those sensitive to ethylene gas, to prevent premature ripening.
What About Overripe Bananas?
If your bananas have already become overripe, there are still plenty of ways to make use of them. Overripe bananas are perfect for baking banana bread, making smoothies, or even creating your own natural sweetener by drying and grinding them into banana sugar.
For those who enjoy making desserts, frozen bananas can also be used as a healthy alternative to ice cream, providing a naturally sweet, creamy texture.
By following these tips, you can significantly extend the shelf-life of your bananas and make the most of your weekly grocery shop. Not only will this save you money, but it will also help reduce food waste—an issue that many households are keen to address in today’s economic climate.
