'I'm a food technologist and doing this 1 thing to bananas will double their shelf life'

Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the UK, but also one of the quickest to go bad. They often look perfectly fine when added to the trolley, only to turn brown and mushy days later. But now, a food technologist has revealed a clever kitchen trick that can help bananas last twice as long.

The method takes just seconds, doesn't cost a penny, and could help households reduce waste and save money in the process. Instead of leaving the bunch as it is, the secret lies in how you store them, and it all comes down to the stems. Most people leave bananas out in the fruit bowl and hope for the best. But that could be what's speeding up the ripening process without them even realising.

Bananas naturally release ethylene gas, which helps them ripen. But this gas builds up fast, especially when bananas are kept in close contact with one another.

The more gas that's trapped, the quicker the fruit browns, and just one overripe banana can affect the rest of the bunch.

Food technologist Adam Hayle said: "By protecting the crown of the banana bunch, you cut the ripening speed in half.

"Families can do exactly the same thing in their kitchen. It's simple, costs nothing and means you don't have to throw away half the fruit bowl."

The trick is to wrap the top of the bunch (the part where the bananas are all connected) tightly with cling film, foil, or a reusable food wrap.

This helps contain the ethylene and slows the ripening process. When done correctly, bananas can stay firm and yellow for three to five days longer.

Adam added: "It's the kind of thing you see behind the scenes in the food industry or in big training camps where food needs to last longer. But it's just as useful for everyday households."

For best results, experts say bananas should be kept at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, and not stored in plastic bags.

Once ripe, some people also move them to the fridge - the skin may turn dark, but the fruit inside stays fresher for longer.

Bananas are a go-to snack for many people because they're cheap, healthy, and versatile.

They're used in lunchboxes, smoothies, breakfasts and baking, so keeping them from going soft too quickly can make a real difference.

A spokesperson for Minotaur Fight Store, which provides nutritional advice for active lifestyles, said: "Whether it's fuelling someone before a workout or giving kids a healthy snack before school, bananas are too valuable to waste.

"Keeping them fresh for longer means more energy, better nutrition and less food in the bin."