Bananas at harvest give off a measurable quantity of ethylene gas which needs to be controlled to accommodate transportation and timing as part of the marketing of bananas. The general harvesting procedure is to cut the stem of bananas from the palm which is usually still wrapped in diathene plastic. Once the plastic outer wrap has been removed bananas are normally broken down into hands to allow the excretion of latex. Current practice is to break the hand of bananas down into clusters of three or five bananas which are much easier to pack in terms of volume obtained in the box. Removal of excess latex is the key to preventing brown spots or damage on the skin. Most banana packing boxes use a polyethylene liner to maintain adequate humidity levels. It is the practice overseas to also use a pad attached to the crown of the hand of bananas after the latex has been excreted.
Packaging Method:
Peakfresh carton liners can be used to store green Bananas to extend the life by up to 35 days. Green bananas packed at the source should be stored at constant temperature range of 13ºC up to 15ºC. In addition to storing green bananas Peakfresh carton liners can be used for extend the life of ripe bananas for an additional 7 days. Overseas evidence suggests that bananas that are picked later produce a less starchy taste. This is desirable as it limits the amount of ethylene gas required in gas chambers to ripen the bananas. Products similar to Peakfresh carton liners have been used successfully overseas to pack late picked hands and clusters of bananas which when refrigerated at 13.3ºC have been allowed to gradually ripen and maintain full flavour.
Recommended Post Harvest Temperatures:
Green Bananas 13ºC-14ºC(55ºF-57ºF)
IMPORTANT. Please read. All recommendations for the use of Peakfresh products are given in good faith and based on proven field experience. Packaging method storage temperatures and humidity levels, transit and destination conditions are factors likely to affect the performance of Peakfresh products and no liability for indirect or consequential damage can be accepted. We recommend that Peakfresh products be trialed under local conditions before introduction to large scale commercial applications.
