Results for: Ethylene gas

Celery has a short shelf life in the fridge, but you can prolong its freshness for up to four weeks by storing it properly. Food storage expert Mike from Kitchen Tips Online recommends wrapping celery tightly in aluminum foil and placing it in the coldest part of your fridge, which is usually the crisper drawer. This method protects celery from ethylene gas, which is emitted by ripening fruits and can cause celery to wilt. If your celery has already started to wilt, you can try submerging it in a glass of iced water to shock it back to life.

Storing potatoes in the fridge increases sugar content, leading to acrylamide formation during cooking. Keep potatoes at room temperature in a well-ventilated container away from heat, moisture, and light. Avoid storing potatoes near onions, as ethylene gas can accelerate decay.

Bananas are a popular fruit but tend to ripen and spoil quickly, making storing them a challenge. However, with the right storage techniques, you can enhance their freshness for up to 15 days longer, saving you time and money. This article presents three simple methods to achieve this: wrapping the banana stems, hanging them on a rack, and storing them in the refrigerator.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the country’s top food safety regulator, has once again raised the alarm about the use of calcium carbide to artificially ripen mangoes, stressing the severe health risks associated with this practice.
Calcium carbide, also known as ‘masala,’ releases acetylene gas that contains hazardous traces of arsenic and phosphorus. Consuming fruits ripened with calcium carbide can lead to symptoms like dizziness, excessive thirst, skin ulcers, and even vomiting. The FSSAI has urged traders and food businesses to strictly adhere to the ban on using calcium carbide, especially during the peak mango season.
As a safer alternative, the FSSAI recommends using ethylene gas for fruit ripening. Ethylene is a natural plant hormone that triggers the ripening process without posing any health risks.
To protect consumers from potentially harmful fruits, it is crucial to purchase from reputable sellers who prioritize safe ripening methods. Additionally, consumers should thoroughly wash fruits before eating and avoid those with black blotches or unnatural textures, which can indicate calcium carbide use.