Fruit ripens through is a very complex collection of processes. In general, there are two classes of phenomena: the so-called climacteric fruit ripen suddenly, while non-climacteric fruit mature more gradually.
After harvest, different fruit ripen in different ways:
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The following get sweeter, grow more aromatic, and soften |
The following only increase in aroma and soften |
The following remain practically unchanged |
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Apples, pears, kiwis, bananas, cherimoyas, mangos |
Peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums, melons, persimmons, raspberries, papayas |
Cherries, watermelons, figs, blackberries, and all the non-climacteric: citrus fruits, strawberries, grapes, pomegranates, pineapples |