Bananas will only stay fresh in your kitchen for 14 days if stored in one area

It's time to rethink how you're storing your bananas , folks. Many of us casually leave bananas on the counter, but this is a big no-no if you're looking to keep them fresh for longer.

These yellow fellows produce ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that makes them and other fruits around them ripen quickly . Ever wanted that rock-hard avocado to soften up? Just put it next to a banana, and you'll be making guacamole in no time.

But there's a downside to this fruit-friendly feature . Having bananas hang out in a fruit bowl can speed up their own spoilage too. Here's the kicker: Richard Thomas, a pro tipster from fridge.com, swears by the refrigerator once bananas hit prime ripeness. According to him, "Storing bananas in the fridge can be a practical way to extend their shelf life, especially once they have reached the desired level of ripeness.", reports the Express .

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He notes that "The cooler temperatures in the fridge slow down the ripening process, which is caused by the emission of ethylene gas from the bananas."

So, next time you find your bananas going from firm to funk too soon, try tucking them into the fridge for an extended stay of freshness. Say goodbye to prematurely brown, mushy, or worse – moldy bananas with this nifty keeper's trick.

Bananas should reach a full yellow before you consider tossing them in the fridge, as the chill can put a severe brake on their ripening process—those green bananas just won't sweeten up or develop their flavor. If you do go for the cooler option, be warned: the banana's exterior might turn brown or black thanks to the cold, which isn't a tropical fruit's best friend.

But not to worry, inside, they stay perfectly ripe and deliciously yellow, stretching out their shelf life significantly. For peak refrigeration results, place your bananas in the central section rather than the damper lower drawers which could shorten their time with you.

While a fruit bowl offers you a fleeting relationship with your bananas, the refrigerator could extend your bunch's life by weeks, trimming your food expenses. More so, Richard recommends this cool strategy, saying, "When refrigerated, bananas can last significantly longer than at room temperature."

He adds, "Typically, you can expect bananas to last anywhere from seven to 14 days in the fridge. The peels may darken, but the bananas inside will remain firmer and fresher for a longer period."