How do bananas broken from their bunch ripen slower than that are still in a bunch?

Bananas produce a plant hormone called ethylene, which is responsible for ripening. When bananas are broken from their bunch, they stop producing ethylene as quickly, so they ripen slower. Additionally, the other bananas in the bunch release ethylene gas, which helps to speed up the ripening process of the other bananas in the bunch. When bananas are separated from the bunch, they do not have this added source of ethylene, so they ripen slower.

Here are more detailed explanations for both reasons:

1. Reduced ethylene production: When bananas are broken from their bunch, the stem is damaged, which disrupts the flow of nutrients and water to the fruit. As a result, the bananas produce less ethylene, which slows down the ripening process.

2. Lack of exposure to other bananas: When bananas are still in a bunch, they are exposed to ethylene gas released by the other bananas. This exposure to ethylene helps to speed up the ripening process. However, when bananas are broken from their bunch, they are no longer exposed to this ethylene gas, so they ripen slower.

Therefore, bananas broken from their bunch ripen slower due to reduced ethylene production and lack of exposure to other bananas.