It is a fact that the banana is a beloved fruit for its convenience, flavor and nutritional value, but the question that intrigues many consumers is why bananas turn black so quickly. The answer lies in ethylene gas, naturally produced by bananas and accelerating their ripening process even after harvesting.
Surprisingly, ethylene, a colorless gas, comes into contact with the acids present in the fruit and triggers enzymatic browning. This process is led by the enzyme polyphenol oxidase, which causes the oxidation of phenols, resulting in the formation of compounds called quinones, responsible for the characteristic brown color of bananas.
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So how can you prevent bananas from turning brown? Check out some simple tips below:
Keep bananas in a cool, dry place protected from Sun light direct. The ideal storage temperature is around 12°C. If possible, use airtight containers to reduce exposure to air, but only after peeling the bananas and if you plan to keep them in the refrigerator.
To prevent bananas from causing other fruits to ripen prematurely, store them separately, especially away from apples and avocados. You can keep them in a banana basket or hook, which allows air to circulate around them and helps prevent ethylene from coming into direct contact with other fruits and vegetables.
To inhibit the action of the polyphenol oxidase enzyme, squeeze a few drops of lemon juice onto banana slices. So, after this process, keep the slices in the refrigerator and consume within three days.
Using freezing is an effective strategy to stop browning. When the fruits begin to turn brown, freeze them for later use in smoothies, ice cream and other desserts. Finally, avoid freezing bananas that have not yet fully ripened to avoid a bitter, unpleasant taste.
Banana is a fruit rich in nutrients and offers a series of benefits for human health. They are an excellent source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and muscle function.
Furthermore, they are a good source of fiber, vitamins C and B6, and provide quick energy due to their natural sugars. Bananas also contain antioxidants, such as vitamin C, which fight oxidative stress and strengthen the immune system.
On the other hand, its fiber content contributes to digestive health and can help control blood sugar levels. Therefore, including them in your daily diet is a delicious and nutritious way to promote good health.
