It is a common practice in many cultures to offer bananas, especially green ones, as a form of ritual offering. Interestingly, these green bananas tend to ripen quickly, even if they are not placed in a closed container. This has led to a popular trick of placing burning incense sticks with the bananas to hasten their ripening.
Why do green bananas ripen faster after being exposed to incense smoke?
The smoke from the incense contains various chemical compounds, including small amounts of ethylene or compounds that can trigger the production of ethylene in fruits. When the smoke comes into contact with the bananas, it can stimulate them to produce more ethylene, thus accelerating the ripening process.
Additionally, when bananas are placed on an altar or in a enclosed space with limited ventilation, the ethylene gas tends to accumulate. This further increases the concentration of ethylene around the bananas, causing them to ripen faster compared to being in a well-ventilated environment.
Temperature and humidity are also crucial factors influencing the ripening speed of bananas. The area around the offerings tends to warm up due to the heat from the burning incense and candles. Higher temperatures increase the activity of enzymes in the bananas, promoting the conversion of starch into sugar, resulting in faster ripening.
In enclosed worship spaces, the humidity is typically higher due to the evaporation from the incense water, flower offerings, or other fruits. This combination of elevated temperature and humidity creates an ideal environment for the bananas to ripen.
Multiple factors contribute to the rapid ripening of green bananas after incense burning. (Photo: Pintershg)
How to Ripen Bananas Quickly Using Incense
If you wish to expedite the ripening process, you can try placing the bananas in a confined space along with burning incense sticks. However, it is important not to leave the incense burning too close to the bananas for extended periods, as excessive heat can scorch the banana peel or affect their quality.
Alternatively, if you prefer not to use incense smoke, you can place bananas in a paper bag along with other ethylene-producing fruits such as apples and pears. The ethylene emitted by these fruits will stimulate the bananas to ripen.
Who Should Avoid Eating Bananas?
While bananas offer nutritional benefits, they may not be suitable for everyone. The following individuals are advised to consume bananas in moderation or consult a healthcare professional before including them in their diet:
People with kidney disease or high potassium levels: According to expert Melendez, quoted in Vietnamnet, “People with high potassium levels may also have kidney problems or kidney issues. Limiting potassium-rich foods (bananas, oranges, watermelon) may make you feel better and prevent the disease from progressing.”
Individuals with stomach ailments: Despite being easily digestible, bananas may not be well-tolerated by everyone. They contain significant amounts of fructose, sorbitol, and soluble fiber, which can aggravate existing digestive issues.
Moreover, for some people, bananas can cause bloating due to their soluble fiber and natural fruit sugars. While soluble fiber is beneficial, an excess of it can lead to a feeling of fullness or bloating. Therefore, it is advisable to start with smaller portions, such as half a banana, and observe your body’s response before increasing intake.
People taking certain medications: As expert Melendez advises, some medications can interact with foods. It is important to consult your physician or dietician to determine if the medications you are taking may interact negatively with bananas.
Two types of drugs that should be avoided when consuming bananas are angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril, ramipril) and spironolactone. According to Harvard Medical School, these medications increase potassium levels in the blood.
Individuals with an empty stomach: Bananas are acidic in nature. Consuming acidic foods on an empty stomach can lead to digestive issues. Additionally, the high potassium and magnesium content in bananas can cause an imbalance in these minerals when consumed in excess on an empty stomach, potentially affecting heart health.
Source: VTC News
