These fruits and vegetables should not be stored together, and here's why

Many of us, returning from the store, put fruits and vegetables in one basket or refrigerator drawer without thinking that such proximity can lead to their premature spoilage.

The issue is that some fruits and vegetables actively release ethylene and can negatively affect products located nearby. Ethylene is a natural gas produced by some fruits and vegetables. It acts as a hormone, accelerating the ripening and aging processes not only in the fruit itself but also in neighboring products.

If vegetables and fruits sensitive to ethylene are stored near its sources, they lose freshness faster, become soft, lose flavor, and may begin to rot.

Main products - sources of ethylene:

• Apples are among the main producers of ethylene. They need to be stored separately from other fruits and vegetables.

• Bananas, especially during the ripening stage, release significant amounts of ethylene.

• Avocados begin to actively release ethylene after harvesting, especially as they ripen.

• Pears release ethylene during the ripening process, which can accelerate the spoilage of other products nearby.

• Peaches, nectarines, plums - these stone fruits are also sources of ethylene.

• Tomatoes release ethylene in moderate amounts, especially during the ripening process.

At the same time, some vegetables and fruits are particularly sensitive to ethylene exposure and spoil quickly when stored near its sources.

• Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts begin to yellow and lose their freshness when exposed to ethylene.

• Carrots develop a bitter taste after prolonged contact with ethylene.

• Cucumbers become soft and yellow when stored near products that release ethylene.

• Leafy greens (such as lettuce and spinach) quickly wilt and lose their color under the influence of ethylene.

• Potatoes sprout and spoil faster when stored near ethylene sources.

Onions and garlic do not release significant amounts of ethylene, but they have a strong odor that can transfer to other products. Additionally, onions stored near potatoes can contribute to their sprouting and spoilage. Therefore, they should also be stored separately from other vegetables and fruits.

Source: Mail.ru