Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
respiration, but not so hot as to promote spoilage. The presence of ethylene gas is also a
boon. Ethylene is a natural gas given off by fruit as it ripens. In nature it serves as a kind
of wake-up call: the first fruit to ripen begins to give it off, which lets the other fruit know
it's time to get busy.
You can buy all sorts of gadgets to help you ripen fruits, such as plastic globes, but all you
really need is a paper bag and a spot on your counter. In many cases, you don't even need
the bag. It serves only to trap the ethylene gas and encourage even, rapid ripening. A bag
helps most with slower-ripening fruits. For those that ripen more quickly, placing them on
a plate or in a bowl will work just fine if you make sure to turn the fruit once a day or so
to prevent any spoil spots from developing.
Fruits That Will Ripen After Picking
APPLES
APRICOTS
AVOCADOS
BANANAS
CANTALOUPES aka muskmelons (but not honeydew or watermelons)
FIGS
GUAVAS
MANGOES
NECTARINES
PEACHES
PEARS
PERSIMMONS
PLUMS
