Why Do Bananas Ripen Faster When Placed in a Paper Bag?

💡 The Answer

• Bananas naturally produce ethylene gas, a plant hormone that triggers the ripening process.
• Placing bananas in a paper bag traps the ethylene gas, increasing its concentration around the fruit.
• Higher ethylene concentration speeds up the ripening by signaling enzymes to break down starches into sugars.
• The bag also helps retain moisture and warmth, both of which further accelerate the ripening.