What is Ethylene?
Ethylene is a natural gas released by certain fruits and vegetables that accelerates the ripening process.
Why is Ethylene Important?
Improper storage of produce can lead to premature spoilage.
This results in food waste and potential financial loss.
Best Practices for Storage
1. Avoid mixing ethylene-producing items with ethylene-sensitive ones.
Example: Do not store apples next to bananas.
2. This applies to both refrigerated and non-refrigerated produce.
3. Avoid sealed bags or containers for produce, as they trap ethylene and accelerate ripening.
Ethylene-Producing Fruits & Vegetables
Bananas / Cantaloupe / Kiwi / Peaches/ Pears/ Peppers / Tomatoes / Apples / Avocados
Ethylene-Sensitive Fruits & Vegetables
Apples / Asparagus / Avocados / Bananas / Broccoli/ Cantaloupe/ Collard Greens / Cucumber / Eggplant/ Grapes/ Honeydew / Kiwi / Lemons / Lettuce / Limes / Mangos/ Onions / Peaches / Pears / Peppers / Squash/ Sweet Potatoes / Watermelon
Not Ethylene-Sensitive
Blueberries / Cherries/ Snap Beans/ Garlic / Grapefruit/ Oranges/ Pineapple/ Potatoes/ Raspberries/ Strawberries/ Tomatoes/ Yucca
To reduce spoilage and food waste:
Do not display or store ethylene-sensitive produce near ethylene producers.
