The claim “Bananas last 10 days longer when stored with one kitchen item” is an oversimplification, but there are a few storage methods that can help bananas stay fresh longer.
Here are the most effective, evidence-based tips:
- Wrap the stems: Covering the banana stems (or the whole bunch stem) with plastic wrap or a reusable food wrap can slow the release of ethylene gas, which contributes to ripening. This may extend freshness by a few days.
- Keep them cool (but not too cold): Store bananas at room temperature until they reach the ripeness you like. Once ripe, you can refrigerate them. The peel may turn brown, but the fruit inside usually stays fresh for several more days.
- Keep them away from other ripe fruit: Apples, avocados, pears, and tomatoes produce ethylene gas, which can speed up banana ripening.
- Separate the bananas: Taking bananas off the bunch may slightly slow ripening.
Does storing them with a particular kitchen item work?
If the article is referring to paper bags, those actually speed up ripening by trapping ethylene gas. If it’s referring to plastic wrap around the stems, that method has some scientific basis, though it won’t reliably make bananas last an extra 10 days in every situation.
In practice, combining stem wrapping, keeping ripe bananas in the refrigerator, and storing them away from other ethylene-producing fruit is more reliable than relying on a single “secret” kitchen item.
