We’ve all been storing bananas wrong! A TikTok user has revealed a simple trick that could significantly extend the life of our beloved yellow fruit.
Lottie Dalziel, a sustainability expert who goes by the TikTok username @lottiedalziel, shared her secret to keeping bananas fresher for longer. Her advice? Store them in bunches!
Dalziel explains that hanging bananas, as you often see in grocery stores, is a deliberate practice with a good reason. This method helps slow down the release of ethylene gas, the natural hormone that causes fruits to ripen. Ethylene gas not only ripens bananas but also affects the fruits around them, leading to faster spoilage.
In her video, Dalziel demonstrates how to properly store bananas: separate them from other fruits and vegetables. This way, they won’t be exposed to ethylene gas from other ripening produce. Additionally, keeping bananas in bunches helps prevent bruising, ensuring they stay in top condition.
This tip is not just about prolonging the life of your bananas; it’s also about reducing food waste. Food waste is a major environmental concern, contributing to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to Project Drawdown. Reducing food waste is considered one of the most impactful actions we can take to combat climate change.
Too Good To Go, a marketplace dedicated to reducing food waste, offers several practical tips for minimizing waste in our kitchens:
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Keep your fridge cool:
A fridge temperature above 5°C can lead to rapid spoilage.*
Measure ingredients:
This prevents over-preparation and reduces the likelihood of leftovers.*
Repurpose leftovers:
Turn leftover Bolognese into chili, meat pies, or lasagne.*
Use stale bread creatively:
Transform stale bread into a delicious bread and butter pudding.*
Utilize potato peels and leftover roast chicken:
Use potato peels for creamy mashed potatoes and boil down leftover roast chicken bones for flavorful stock.*
Plan your meals:
Use a whiteboard to keep track of what you need to buy and avoid purchasing unnecessary items.*
Check expiration dates:
Pay attention to “Best Before” and “Use By” labels to maximize food freshness.*
Embrace freezing:
Freeze virtually anything to preserve it for later use. Batch cooking and freezing meals are excellent ways to utilize fresh ingredients before they spoil.By incorporating these simple tips into our daily routines, we can contribute to a more sustainable future and reduce our impact on the environment. Let’s all embrace mindful consumption and minimize food waste, starting with our bananas!