Here’s the science in a nutshell: bananas ripen thanks to a gas called ethylene. It’s their internal ripening hormone, and it works fast at room temperature. Refrigeration slows that process to a crawl, but it comes with a cosmetic cost.
Pop a green or yellow banana in the fridge, and its peel will turn completely brown or black within a day. It looks like a science experiment gone wrong. Don’t panic—the fruit inside stays perfectly fine, firm, and sweet. The peel just throws a temper tantrum.
So, if you’re the type who buys bananas in bulk and then forgets about them, the fridge is your safety net. Just warn your family that the bananas are ugly, not rotten.