"From here, the bunches are cleaned and inspected before being packed tightly into boxes to prevent bruising. To avoid ripening during their cross-ocean trip, the bananas are kept at temperatures that maintain a dormant, green state, around 57 degrees Fahrenheit, thanks to advanced cold transport systems. When they arrive, they're held at cold temperatures until distributors are ready to purchase and sell."
"Right before they depart for the grocery store, they are placed in a temperature-controlled area, where the temperature rises slightly every day to mimic natural ripening processes. Ethylene, a fruit-safe gas naturally produced by apples, is also used to speed up the ripening process. This allows for a variety of bananas in different ripeness stages, so you can purchase the exact type of bananas you prefer. Follow these simple tricks on how to pick the perfect fruit, every time."
Bananas rank as the most popular fresh fruit in the United States despite no large-scale commercial production domestically. Major producers include companies in Latin America and growers in the Philippines. Farmers harvest firm, green bunches that are cleaned, inspected, and tightly packed to prevent bruising. The fruit travels in a cold chain near 57 degrees Fahrenheit to remain dormant during long shipments. After arrival, bananas are stored cold until distributors need them, then warmed gradually and exposed to ethylene to control ripening and provide a range of ripeness options for consumers.
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