The surprisingly easy way to keep bananas fresh for up to two weeks

Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in U.S. supermarkets. When shoppers pick them out, they usually check for green color to make sure they’re not overripe. But once they get home, those bananas can quickly turn yellow with brown spots. Experts say there are simple ways to keep them fresh for much longer.

Avoid the bag, and ethylene gas

One common mistake is buying bananas already packaged in plastic bags. Many of these bags have small holes that speed up the fruit’s spoilage, leading to brown spots within just a couple of days.

Like many fruits, bananas naturally release ethylene gas, which triggers the ripening process. Storing them in a plastic bag traps this gas, causing bananas to ripen, and develop brown spots, faster than they would on their own.

Where you should keep bananas

A hygiene expert from High Speed Training says the best way to store bananas is simple: don’t put them in a fruit bowl. Instead, keep them on the countertop at room temperature, away from moisture, direct sunlight, and heat.

“Any spot that’s too warm will speed up ripening, so avoid placing bananas near ovens or other hot appliances,” the expert advises.

Simple tricks to extend freshness

Separating bananas from the bunch can help maintain their freshness. The expert also recommends wrapping the stems in plastic wrap. “Ethylene gas is released from the banana stem, so covering it slows the gas from spreading to the rest of the fruit, keeping your bananas fresher for longer,” they explain.

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