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Bananas are a great addition to a healthy and balanced diet, especially considering their versatility. However, while they may look nice in a fruit bowl, it turns out it's not the best place to help preserve their freshness.

According to an expert, this humble fruit actually stays "firmer and tastier" if kept in one spot many of us would not even consider. While many people have long believed that storing bananas in the fridge is a no-no, experts now say that the cold storage method can actually preserve the fruit's firmness and flavour.

Experts from Wheeldon Brothers explained: "If you can bring yourself to peel that brown skin, you'll find the banana inside is firmer and tastier than those left at room temperature."

Surprisingly, refrigerating ripe bananas can slow down the overripening process by about a week.

As they mature, they produce ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening of nearby fruits, so storing bananas in a fruit bowl with other fruits only accelerates this process.

However, when it comes to green bananas specificlaly, experts warn against using the fridge, as cold temperatures can stop the ripening altogether, leaving you with firm yet flavourless fruit.

Instead, it's best to leave green bananas at room temperature until they fully ripen and can then be moved to the fridge.

For those looking to preserve bananas longer without refrigeration, a few other tricks can make a big difference.

Wrapping the stems in cling film can reduce the release of ethylene gas, extending the fruit's shelf life.

Hanging bananas from a hook also helps, as it allows for better airflow and keeps the bananas separated from other ethylene-producing fruits.

"Bananas that are very ripe and sweet are perfect for freezing," said the experts.

"Just spread out the slices so they don't clump together. When you're ready for your smoothie or banana bread, your frozen banana slices will be ready to go!"