Bananas will stay fresh for 15 days longer with hack that 'delays the ripening process'

tend to ripen too quickly and often end up spotted and mushy in the bin before they can be used. For a fruit so beloved in everything from breakfast bowls to packed lunches, the speed at which bananas spoil can be rather inconvenient. Luckily, an expert's three-step method can help keep them bright and yellow - and, of course, flavourful - for up to 15 days longer.

"Bananas spoil so quickly because they continue to ripen rapidly after being harvested," a spokesperson for Wheeldon Brothers explained. "But with the right , you can extend their shelf life significantly and avoid throwing them in the bin prematurely."

The first step is to wrap the stems. Bananas naturally release ethylene gas - a plant hormone that triggers ripening - from their stems, so blocking this release is key.

"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."

Storing bananas away from other fruit is also important, as apples, avocados, and other common produce emit their ethylene gas, speeding up the process even more.

The second tip is to resist the urge to keep bananas in a bowl. Though visually appealing, fruit bowls tend to promote bruising, particularly when bananas are stacked or rest on hard surfaces

"Hanging bananas keeps them from bruising and also reduces contact with ethylene, which is heavier than air," the expert said.

They added: "It's a clever way to keep the bananas firmer and more visually appealing for longer."

A banana hanger works well, but even a hook beneath a cupboard can serve the same purpose.

Finally, consider storing them in the fridge despite the stigma. While cold temperatures turn the peel black, the fruit inside remains perfectly edible.

"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."

To get the most from this method, store bananas in a paper bag or ventilated container to prevent excess moisture.