Banana shopping guide, color reveals chemical use

Much attention isn't given to the color of the banana peel when shopping but rather to the appearance of the fruit's end. While the peel's appearance carries important information, having dark spots doesn’t necessarily mean the fruit is unfit for consumption. However, the tip of a banana can reveal much.

When choosing bananas in a store, don’t worry about those with darkening peels; instead, pay special attention to the color of the stalk. Why is this part of the fruit of particular interest? Essentially, bananas with a changing peel color but still have a yellow tail are likely filled with chemicals. However, when the tail darkens along with the peel's color change, this indicates that the banana is naturally ripening.

People often steer clear of bananas covered with brown spots. However, such fruits are, in fact, ripe and safe for consumption. Bananas with brown skin, though unappealing, are perfectly edible so long as their flesh remains white and firm.

On the other hand, the situation changes when dark flesh begins to appear underneath the spotted skin. This is a glaring red flag, indicating spoilage of the fruit. Such a banana may contain mold spores, which are potentially harmful to health, leading to food poisoning and various types of stomach discomforts. Hence, if you notice a leakage, unpleasant smell, or suspicious color from the banana, it is better left unconsumed.

If you want your bananas to stay fresh for as long as possible, you need to follow some basic storage rules. First, keep bananas isolated from other fruits and vegetables. This is because bananas release ethylene - a gas that accelerates their ripening process. This quality may come in handy when you want to hasten the ripening of other fruits, such as unripe pears.

If you wish to delay the ripening process of bananas, consider wrapping the tips of the bananas in aluminium foil or paper. Bananas should never be stored in the fridge. Low temperatures can damage the banana peel and make them unattractive. Note that bananas are sensitive to impacts and pressure, so ensure that they are stored in a place where they won't be exposed to mechanical damage.