With their natural sweetness and low calorie count, bananas are an ideal healthy snack. However, this fruit has a downside: it spoils quickly.

Many people tend to buy a whole bunch of bananas from the supermarket, but before they can finish them, some bananas turn dark, soft, and have to be discarded. At room temperature, bananas typically stay fresh for two to six days, depending on their ripeness when purchased. However, once fully ripe, bananas bruise quickly and deteriorate within just a few days. Especially in summer, hot weather accelerates this process.

However, you can significantly slow down the ripening process of bananas with a simple storage tip: tightly wrap the stem with aluminum foil.

Why does wrapping the stem help bananas stay fresh longer?

Bananas ripen and change color due to the release of ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that converts starch into sugar and breaks down the fruit's cell structure. This gas turns green bananas yellow, and yellow bananas quickly brown.

Most ethylene gas is released from the banana's stem. When the stem is tightly wrapped with aluminum foil, this gas is contained and cannot come into contact with the rest of the fruit. Consequently, the ripening process slows down significantly, keeping bananas fresh for an extended period.

Food Republic, a culinary website, explains: "Compared to other produce, bananas release a significant amount of ethylene gas through their exposed stems, causing the bunch to continue ripening even after being picked. Wrapping aluminum foil around the stem end helps prevent this gas from escaping into the air, avoiding contact with the banana body or surrounding fruits."

Bananas have a drawback: they spoil quickly. Photo: Bui Thuy

Important tips for storing bananas

Substitute with plastic wrap: If aluminum foil is unavailable, you can use plastic wrap to cover the banana stem with similar effectiveness. Both items are inexpensive and easy to find.

Keep bananas away from other fruits: Ethylene gas from bananas can cause nearby fruits like apples, pears, and passion fruit to ripen and spoil faster. Conversely, citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons are not affected by this gas.

Hang bananas on a hook: Experts recommend hanging bananas on a specialized hook rather than placing them directly on a kitchen counter. This method helps isolate bananas from other fruits and prevents bruising of the peel from contact with hard surfaces.

My Y (According to Express)