Bananas stay fresh for 'six months' by storing them in unexpected place

Browning bananas could become a thing of the past with this brilliant storage trick. When stored in the fridge, bananas can last up to a week, compared to just two to six days if left on the kitchen counter. Both these storage methods can be enhanced by wrapping the stems in cling film, which slows down the release of ethylene gas that ripens the fruit.

The cling film acts as a barrier, containing the ethylene gas and thus extending the fruit's lifespan. However, according to Allrecipes, it's possible to prolong the shelf life of bananas by up to six months or even longer.

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Freezing ripe bananas can extend their lifespan by six months or more, but there's a correct way to do it. Instead of popping the whole bunch of bananas into the freezer, or each individual banana, you should peel them first.

Each peeled banana should be sliced and laid out on a single layer of baking parchment on a baking tray. This prevents the bananas from sticking together in the freezer.

When you fancy a slice of banana, you can defrost the pieces in the fridge overnight, or if you want them the same day, they can thaw on the kitchen counter within three hours.

You can also freeze bananas for later use in smoothies or ice cream, reports . To do this, simply puree the bananas and pour the mixture into an ice cube tray; once frozen, transfer the cubes into a freezer bag and label for future reference.

Alternatively, you can savour fresh bananas for a week by storing them in the fridge with their stems wrapped in plastic.

Ensure the bananas are ripe and yellow, not green, before refrigerating them. Although the banana skins will darken in the fridge, the insides will stay fresh and delicious.