If you mean the common kitchen tip behind this claim: bananas can often stay fresh longer when stored with a paper towel instead of sitting in a fruit bowl—but the exact effect depends on conditions.
A few tips that can help bananas last longer:
- Separate bananas from the bunch: The stems release ethylene gas, which speeds ripening. Separating them can slow the process.
- Wrap the stems: Covering the banana stems with plastic wrap or beeswax wrap reduces ethylene exposure and can extend freshness.
- Use a paper towel in storage: A paper towel can absorb excess moisture, which may help prevent premature browning or mold, especially in enclosed containers or bags.
- Keep them away from other ripening fruit: Apples, avocados, and other ethylene-producing fruits can make bananas ripen faster.
- Refrigerate ripe bananas: The peel may turn brown, but the inside can remain good for several more days.
A fruit bowl is not always bad—bananas often ripen well at room temperature—but placing them among other fruit can speed up the process. The “10 days longer” claim is likely an exaggeration unless comparing ideal storage with a particularly poor setup.
