Keeping Bananas Fresh: A Cool Science Trick

Bananas are tricky. They ripen fast, and if they get too cold, they get damaged. But scientists found a way to keep them fresh longer. They used a mix of hot water and a special chemical called glycine betaine. This combo helps bananas handle the cold better. The scientists did a lot of tests. They checked how bananas reacted to different treatments. They used hot water, hot air, and the glycine betaine mix. The best results came from the glycine betaine and hot water treatment. It kept the banana peels in good shape and slowed down damage.They also looked at the tiny parts inside the banana peels, called lipids. These lipids help keep the peel strong. The treatment made the lipids more stable and flexible. This means the banana peels could handle the cold better and stay fresh longer. The scientists measured things like electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde levels. These are signs of damage. The treatment with glycine betaine and hot water showed the least damage. This means the bananas stayed in better condition for a longer time. This is big news for banana lovers. It means we might get to enjoy bananas for a longer period. The treatment helps bananas stay fresh even when they are stored in cold places. This could be a game-changer for banana storage and transport.