Yes, exactly those juicy beauties we love so much produce a lot of ethylene. Store them next to cucumbers or lettuce, and you have the recipe for disaster. These delicate vegetables age rapidly, becoming soft and unappetizing, often after just a few days. Experts agree: tomatoes should be stored absolutely isolated. Some even suggest keeping them in a completely different room from the rest of your vegetables to significantly extend the shelf life of all foods. And another tip: your tomatoes do not belong in the refrigerator! There, they not only lose their wonderful aroma but can also develop unsightly glassy spots.
But tomatoes are not the only ethylene superstars. Apples and pears are also diligent gas producers. If you store unripe kiwis together with apples, you will find that your kiwis become soft and edible much faster. This is great if it's intended, but a nuisance if you want to extend the shelf life. Therefore, consistently separate these fruits as well.
Ethylene: Not Just Downsides
You can also use it strategically. Do you have unripe bananas that just won't turn yellow? Simply add an apple or a pear. The ethylene from these two fruits accelerates the ripening process of your green bananas in no time.
Ethylene is a clever natural plant hormone. It accelerates ripening by stimulating enzymes in the cells that, for example, soften cell walls and convert starch into sugar. The result: the fruit becomes softer, sweeter, and more aromatic. But caution is advised, as some varieties emit ethylene and are simultaneously sensitive to it.
Varieties with high ethylene emission:
- Äpfel, Birnen, Mangos, Nektarinen, Pfirsiche, Pflaumen, Tomaten, Blaubeeren
Varieties sensitive to ethylene:
- Gurken, Blattgemüse, Brokkoli, Blumenkohl, Bohnen, Kartoffeln, Lauch, Blaubeeren, Tomaten, Äpfel, Birnen, Nektarinen
Proper storage of your food is a simple yet effective trick to not only save money but also reduce food waste. A conscious handling of ethylene-producing fruits helps you keep your vegetables and fruits fresh and crisp for longer. Plan your purchases better and throw away less – your wallet and the environment will thank you!
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.