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Explained in plain English

What is ethylene gas?

Ethylene gas is a natural plant hormone that plays a big part in how fruits ripen. In our banana story, it's released from the stem and speeds up the process, making your bananas go brown quicker. By trapping this gas, like with tin foil, you can slow down ripening and keep your fruit fresh for longer.

Stories that explain this

Wrapping banana stems in tin foil keeps them fresh for longer

Related explainers

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