That headline is mostly true (with a bit of exaggeration). Bananas really do last significantly longer when stored with one simple kitchen item—just not forever.
🍌 The kitchen item: Plastic wrap or aluminum foil
✅ Why it works
Bananas release ethylene gas, which speeds up ripening.
Most of that gas escapes from the stem.
👉 Wrapping the banana stems slows ethylene release, which:
- Delays browning
- Keeps bananas firmer
- Extends freshness by 5–10 days compared to a fruit bowl
🧪 How to do it properly
Option 1: Plastic wrap (best)
- Separate bananas slightly (don’t keep in a tight bunch)
- Wrap the stem ends tightly
- Store at room temperature, away from sunlight
Option 2: Aluminum foil (works almost as well)
- Wrap the stems snugly
- Replace if foil loosens
📌 You can wrap:
- The whole bunch stem
- Or each banana stem individually (best results)
❌ What NOT to do
- Don’t refrigerate yellow bananas (skins turn black)
- Don’t store near apples or avocados (more ethylene)
- Don’t seal bananas in airtight bags (traps moisture → mold)
🕒 How much longer do they last?
- Fruit bowl: 2–4 days to overripe
- Wrapped stems: 7–10 days (sometimes longer if still green)
The bananas still ripen—just much more slowly.
🧠 Bonus tip
Once bananas are ripe:
- You can refrigerate them
- The peel darkens, but the inside stays good for days
Bottom line
✔ Wrap banana stems with plastic wrap or foil
✔ Store away from other fruits
✔ Expect up to 10 extra days, not magic—but a big improvement
If you want, I can also share the best way to freeze bananas so they never go to waste 🍌❄️
