Sunday, September 23, 2007

Why do some fruits continue to ripen after being picked but not others?

In general, fruits have to reach physiological maturity before they can ripen. Most fruits from apple to mangoes to oranges, do not ripen properly if they’re picked to early.

Avocados are an exception. They don’t ripen if they are left on the tree, and are n harvested when they reach maturity.

As to why some fruits remain in good condition after reaching maturity, it’s just in the speed with which their individual internal enzyme reactions occur.

In some fruits, such as bananas and tomatoes, the ageing process of the cells is so fast that they deteriorate rapidly. However, squash can be stored for five to six months in a cool dry place.

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