Why you shouldn't store apples with bananas

Few people know that some fruits release substances that cause other fruits to ripen faster. Some fruits are not recommended for storage together. Apples and bananas are among these.

The influence of ethylene gas

Many people put all their fruit in the bottom compartment of the refrigerator, which is specifically designated for storing fruits and vegetables. This is a big mistake.

Fruits have a special property. They produce ethylene, an invisible and odorless gas. This gas causes fruits to soften. Ethylene breaks down cell walls and converts starch into sugar. This gas also reduces the acidity of fruits. The riper the fruit, the more ethylene it contains.

Ethylene gas simply spreads to other fruits and vegetables, significantly accelerating the ripening process. Ultimately, rotting occurs.

Fruits that produce large amounts of ethylene gas include apples, bananas, peaches, and melons. They should not be stored together. They should also not be stored together with avocados, lemons, grapes, onions, or other fruits or vegetables that are sensitive to this compound.

If the listed fruits are stored together, they will begin to rot intensively very quickly.

How to properly store fruits

By following simple storage guidelines, you can prevent premature spoilage of fruit. Proper storage of fruit involves storing fruits that produce large amounts of ethylene separately. It's also a good idea to store foods that spoil more quickly separately. It's recommended to separate bananas into individual fruits and not store them in bunches. The further apart you store bananas, the better. This significantly increases the chances of long-term shelf life.