Keventer Bananas

Choose Right with No Carbide

By Team Keventer | Date February 20, 2019

Bananas are an important part of a healthy and balanced diet. With a lot of light being shed on the importance of eating fruits, sellers have begun to artificially grow them by injecting hazardous chemicals into them. One of the pre-treatments used for better consumer acceptance is artificial fruit ripening, which is done to achieve faster as well as more uniform ripening effects.

Understanding artificial ripening

The process of natural ripening uses several factors like sunlight, humidity etc as catalyst resulting in softening, better colour and an enhanced natural flavour. However artificial ripening of fruits uses chemical agents such as calcium carbide to achieve faster and more uniform fruit characteristics, all at the cost of nutritional values. It is important to note here that though artificial ripening of fruits leads to an improved appearance, the taste, smell and most of all - nutritional values are seriously impaired.

Thus, we are at a greater risk of short-term as well as long-term health effects simply by eating fruits that are artificially ripened.

Harmful effects of Calcium Carbide

A carcinogen, calcium carbide is a cancer-producing chemical. Irrespective of the quantity one may consume, the chemical is known to have harmful effects on the liver and other parts of the body. With traces of arsenic and phosphorus, calcium carbide causes several acute and chronic health effects. The early symptoms of arsenic poisoning include:

  1. vomiting
  2. burning sensation in the chest and abdomen
  3. diarrhea
  4. thirst, weakness
  5. irritation of the eyes and skin
  6. ulcers on the skin
  7. irritation in the mouth, nose, and throat
  8. wheezing and shortness of breath

Although most cases of arsenic and phosphorus poisoning are detected before they become fatal, pregnant women are particularly vulnerable as the chemical residue in the fruit could lead to miscarriage.

Identifying artificially ripened fruits

It is almost impossible for a consumer to identify whether or not a banana has been ripened with calcium carbide. However, the good news is that consumers no longer need to fret! Just grab a banana with an official Keventer sticker and be assured of its wholesome goodness. 

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