Category: Ripening

Bananas, like many climacteric fruits, produce their own heat as they ripen, a fascinating process that has significant implications for commercial fruit storage. During this phase, often triggered by ethylene gas, the fruit's cellular activity dramatically increases, leading to a noticeable temperature rise. This internal heat production is a key factor in speeding up the ripening cycle and altering the fruit's texture and flavor.

According to the USDA, a significant amount of food waste occurs at the consumer level, with improper storage being a major contributor. To combat this, it's crucial to understand a key chemical interaction that governs your fruit bowl: ethylene gas. Knowing what fruits shouldn't you store together can be the difference between perfectly ripe produce and a mushy, spoiled mess.