Bananas are one of the most popular fruits worldwide, but their short shelf life can be a challenge for those who want to enjoy their optimal taste and texture
A common mistake is storing them in the fruit bowl alongside other fruits, which speeds up their ripening
The key to keeping them fresh is understanding the role of ethylene gas, a natural hormone that influences the ripening process of fruits.
Ethylene gas is released by most fruits, and when it accumulates excessively, it can cause nearby produce to spoil faster
Bananas are especially sensitive to this gas, as they not only absorb it but also emit it in large quantities from their stems.
Therefore, it's crucial to keep them away from other fruits that also produce ethylene, like apples and pears
An effective strategy is to store bananas alongside citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, which are not affected by ethylene
This allows bananas to stay fresh without accelerating the ripening process of other fruits. Additionally, wrapping the stems of bananas with plastic wrap or aluminum foil can help reduce the release of ethylene