TIP - Some Produce Is Incompatible!

Did you know that various produce items emit gases that can affect other produce items?

Apples, avocados, bananas, pears and tomatoes put out ethylene gas. This is a natural process, as ethylene causes chemical changes that help ripen the fruit. In fact, this is why it is recommended that you put green bananas in a paper bag along with ripe apples, to encourage the bananas to also ripen.

The problem is, ethylene can speed up rot and spoilage in other produce, including broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, leafy greens and peppers. These vegetables are extra sensitive to ethylene.

Storing ethylene-producing with ethylene-sensitive fruits and veggies can waste good food. Instead of leaving ethylene producers in plastic bags, store them in breathable bins to allow the gas to dissipate. And don’t store them together with ethylene-sensitive produce.

 

For more information, read “Ethylene in Fruits and Vegetables.”