Today 🧒
Child: Why do bananas turn yellow when they ripen?
Bananas start green because of a pigment called chlorophyll. When they ripen, the green fades and yellow color shows up.
Child: What makes the green color fade away?
As bananas ripen, they break down chlorophyll. This happens because the fruit changes chemicals inside.
Child: What kind of chemicals change inside the banana?
The banana makes enzymes that break down chlorophyll and create new pigments that are yellow.
Child: What else happens when bananas ripen besides color change?
They get softer and sweeter because starch turns into sugar. That’s why ripe bananas taste better.
Child: How do we know starch turns into sugar?
Scientists test bananas at different times and measure sugar levels going up as starch goes down.
Child: How long does it take for a banana to turn yellow?
Usually a few days to a week after picking, depending on temperature and how ripe it was at first.
Child: Is yellow the only color a banana can turn?
Sometimes bananas get brown spots or even turn mostly brown if they get very ripe or old.
Child: Is that like when apples turn brown after you cut them?
Yes, both happen because of chemical changes when the fruit is exposed to air or gets very ripe.
Child: Can I try to ripen a banana faster at home?
Sure! Put a banana in a paper bag. It traps gas the banana makes and speeds ripening.
Child: So bananas change color because they are getting sweeter and softer?
Exactly! Bananas turn yellow as they get yummy to eat. Keep watching fruits; they change a lot as they grow!