Tired of waiting for your avocados to ripen? As the cost of living continues to rise, many of us are looking for ways to cut down on food waste. A simple trick using a common household item can help you enjoy your avocados sooner.
The experts at Too Good To Go, a global surplus food marketplace, recommend using bananas to speed up the ripening process. Bananas naturally release ethylene gas, which accelerates the ripening of fruits. Simply store your unripe avocado alongside a ripe banana. The ethylene from the banana will naturally speed up the ripening of the avocado, allowing you to enjoy it sooner.
For even faster results, place both the banana and the avocado in a brown paper bag. The bag will trap the ethylene gas, creating a more concentrated ripening environment. However, be mindful not to leave the avocado in the bag too long, as it can overripen.
Bananas themselves are notorious for quick ripening and often end up as food waste. To combat this, remove them from plastic packaging as soon as you buy them. Plastic hinders airflow, accelerating the ripening process. Also, separate your bananas from their bunch and wrap each stem individually in reusable baking parchment. This slows down the ethylene release from the stems, keeping your bananas fresh for longer.
