Tesco, the U.K.'s leading grocer, has issued an important notice to its shoppers who purchase bananas. The supermarket has posted a helpful guide on its website, providing customers with tips on optimally using their bananas, even those past their prime. According to Tesco, bananas are the U.K.'s most beloved fruit. Astonishingly, more than 5 billion bananas are purchased every year. However, about 10% of these, or 1.4 million bananas, are wasted daily. To combat this, Tesco offers tips on maintaining bananas at their best and innovative ideas for using overripe bananas that extend beyond traditional banana bread.

Tesco emphasizes the importance of proper storage, advising customers to store bananas separately because the gases they emit can accelerate the ripening and spoilage of other fruits. It's also recommended to keep bananas at room temperature as refrigeration can darken the skin and cause the bananas to impart their smell to other items in the fridge. As bananas ripen, they soften and change colour due to the conversion of starch into sugar. While unripe green bananas may not be appealing when raw, they can be used in cooking, says Tesco, the U.K.'s largest supermarket chain, competes with Asda, Morrisons, and Sainsbury's.

Tash Blythe, a food hygiene expert at High-Speed Training, suggests that bananas should be stored on a countertop, ideally at room temperature, away from moisture, sunlight, and hot temperatures during ripening. She warns that overly warm environments can hasten ripening. Blythe further explains that ethylene gas, released from the banana's stem, can cause rapid over-ripening. To slow this process, she recommends wrapping the stems in plastic wrap or cling film, which reduces the amount of gas reaching the fruit, thereby keeping them fresher for longer.

She warns that overly warm environments can hasten the ripening process, so it’s best to avoid placing them near ovens or warm appliances. Blythe further explains that ethylene gas, released from the banana’s stem, can cause rapid over-ripening. To slow this process, she recommends wrapping the stems in plastic wrap or cling film, which reduces the amount of gas reaching the fruit, thereby keeping them fresher for longer.