Uk households who have bananas in kitchen fruit bowl 'warned'

BUT ACCORDING TO WASTE MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS AT WHEELDON BROTHERS, A FEW SIMPLE STORAGE TRICKS COULD KEEP THEM FRESH FOR UP TO 15 DAYS LONGER — HELPING YOU SAVE MONEY AND REDUCE FOOD WASTE.

10:10, 31 May 2025 Bananas are one of the most commonly wasted fruits in UK households — often turning brown and mushy just days after being brought home. But according to waste management

specialists at Wheeldon Brothers, a few simple storage tricks could keep them fresh for up to 15 days longer — helping you save money and reduce food waste. “Bananas spoil so quickly because

they continue to ripen rapidly after being harvested,” a spokesperson for Wheeldon Brothers explained. “But with the right storage methods, you can extend their shelf life significantly and

avoid throwing them in the bin prematurely.” READ MORE UK SET TO SIZZLE IN 'GLORIOUS' 27C MINI-HEATWAVE WITH 33 COUNTIES IN ENGLAND HIT The stems of bananas are where most of the

ethylene gas — the natural chemical that causes ripening — is released. Covering the stems helps slow this process. “Wrapping the stems in cling film, foil, or even reusable beeswax wraps

reduces the emission of ethylene gas and delays the ripening process,” said Wheeldon Brothers. “It’s a small but effective hack to extend the life of your fruit.” Article continues below

Make sure to keep bananas separate from other fruits too — many fruits emit ethylene gas, which can accelerate ripening when stored together. While a fruit bowl may seem convenient,

it's not ideal for bananas. Letting them rest on hard surfaces or bunching them together often causes bruising — another key reason they spoil quickly. “Hanging bananas keeps them from

bruising and also reduces contact with ethylene, which is heavier than air,” the expert said. “It’s a clever way to keep the bananas firmer and more visually appealing for longer.” Article

continues below If you don’t have a banana hanger, a hook under a kitchen cupboard or a hanging fruit basket works just as well. Refrigerating bananas often gets a bad reputation because it

causes the skin to turn brown or black. But the inside of the banana stays perfectly fine. “There’s a misconception that refrigeration ruins bananas,” said Wheeldon Brothers. “But it’s only

the peel that discolours. The fruit inside remains fresh and edible — in fact, refrigeration can help bananas last up to two weeks longer.” “In the UK, we throw away over 1.4 million bananas

every day — much of which is preventable,” they said. “Adopting smarter storage habits not only saves households money, but also reduces the environmental impact of wasted food.”