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If you like to buy fruit and vegetables, did you know that how you store them could lead to faster waste of both food and your money? Here is a rundown of the combinations that are trouble.
How Ethylene Gas Plays a Role
Many fruits and vegetables release ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that accelerates the ripening process. Some items produce large amounts of this gas, while others are very sensitive to even small amounts. Understanding which produce items are “producers” and which are “sensitive” can help you avoid mixing them in storage.
Produce Pairings to Avoid:
Which produce pairings should be avoided?
Apples and Bananas: Apples emit significant ethylene, which can cause bananas to ripen too quickly if stored together.
Melons and Potatoes: Melons, like cantaloupe and honeydew, produce ethylene that can trigger potatoes to sprout prematurely.
Pears and Avocados: Both of these fruits are ethylene producers and are particularly sensitive, so storing them together can lead to overly rapid ripening.
Tomatoes and Eggplant: Although closely related and visually appealing when combined, both tomatoes and eggplant produce and react to ethylene. This can cause both to become overripe before you have a chance to use them.
Bell Peppers and Broccoli: Bell peppers release ethylene, which can prompt broccoli to prematurely blossom, affecting its texture and overall quality.
Why Does it Matter?
By keeping produce that produces ethylene separate from items that are sensitive to it, you can extend the life of your fruits and vegetables. Adding proper care—including mindful grouping along with attention to temperature and humidity—can reduce overall food waste and help you save money.
Ethylene Gas and the Produce Ripening Cycle
This summary not only helps you understand which combinations to avoid, but also underscores the importance of proper storage for maintaining food quality and reducing waste.
If you’re curious about more hacks to optimize your kitchen storage or techniques to extend the shelf life of your favorite items, there’s plenty to explore beyond these basic pairings. What type of produce challenges have you encountered in your kitchen?
Graphics courtesy of napkin.ai
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