Many people love bananas especially the ripe ones, but did you know they have a hidden mysterious glow? Yes, under ultraviolet (UV) light, ripe bananas emit a bright blue glow, a phenomenon caused by the breakdown of the green pigments in them called chlorophyll.
Why Do Bananas Glow Blue?
Plants and raw fruits have green colour due to presence of a pigment called chlorophyll. Yes, the same pigment used in photosynthesis. As bananas ripen, their green color fades out due to the degradation of chlorophyll. Normally, in most of the plants when chlorophyll breaks down, it disappears without any noticeable effect. However, in bananas, this process creates unique chlorophyll catabolites that are highly fluorescent and emit a blue coloured glow when seen under ultra violet light.
Scientific Significance
For so many years this mysterious blue fluorescence of bananas has intrigued many scientists. Latest research suggests that these fluorescent compounds help in protecting the fruit from oxidative damage, this helps in possibly extending their freshness. Moreover, some experts believe that some species, particularly fruit-eating mammals and insects, can see this blue glow of ripe bananas and locate them in the wild.
Practical Applications
Other than a special science fact, this glowing property of bananas can find applications in food science and quality control also because by analysing the fluorescence intensity, scientists can determine the ripeness of a banana more precisely, which helps in better storage and transportation of this amazing fruit.
Check It Yourself!
You can also see this blue glowing light coming out from your favourite bananas from the comfort of your home. Just shine UV light on a ripe banana in a dark room, and you’ll see the mysterious yet beautiful blue glow from the bananas!
Bananas are fascinating yet tasty fruits —not just as a delicious snack but also as a subject of scientific wonder. So next time you enjoy a banana, remember that there’s more to this fruit than meets the eye!
Name : Shantanu singh
Department : JEE Chemistry
Narayana Jaipur Center (NIHQ)