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Brits have a fondness for indulging in bananas - the delectable fruit that's not only scrumptious and sweet but also nutritious and satisfyingly filling. Whether it's part of a breakfast bowl, slathered on toast or munched during the afternoon, there are countless ways to savour this versatile treat.

Yet, despite their appeal, bananas are notorious for their short shelf life, ripening rapidly and often lasting merely days, depending on how ripe they were at purchase. But fear not, for there are methods to extend their freshness and enjoy this staple as much as you can.

To keep your bananas in prime condition for longer, a minor adjustment in storage can work wonders, potentially adding up to a week to their lifespan, as per specialists' recommendations.

, Senior Developer at HelloFresh, advises: "Whether you prefer a green or a yellow banana, placing them in a cool environment once they have reached your preferred level of ripeness can help prolong their shelf life.

"While the skin will continue to brown, the flesh of the banana will remain the same and can extend shelf life by up to one week."

This straightforward tip could make a significant difference since bananas typically fare best at ambient temperatures. Moreover, it's crucial to shield them from direct sunlight.

The ideal spot is on a kitchen countertop, away from the chill of the refrigerator. This is due to the fact that it can lead to their skin darkening and the fruit inside losing its texture.

If you're aiming to slow down the ripening process, some suggest wrapping the banana stems in cling film. Moreover, there's another trick you can employ to extend their lifespan.

Wrapping their stems in cling film or aluminium foil can help slow down the release of ethylene gas, which accelerates ripening. For even more effective results, you might consider wrapping each stem individually and separating the bananas from the bunch.

This method could enhance outcomes, according to experts.

Some also recommend hanging bananas. This is because, when the fruit is hung, the ethylene gas works more slowly.

It can also prevent them from bruising on the worktop, which they're more likely to do as they continue to ripen. Unbeknownst to many, you can also purchase a fruit basket with a built-in hook, or a small under-cabinet hook, specifically designed for bananas.

Regardless of the method you choose, it can help keep your bananas at room temperature while they ripen on the hook. Furthermore, purchasing green bananas can also aid in extending their shelf life.

This is because, if you select the greenest bananas available, you'll be able to observe them ripen gradually. Instead of choosing a bunch that appears perfectly ripe, opting for a green bunch will provide you with more options later on.