Ripening of fruits is the process in which fruits acquire a soft, pulpy consistency. It allows for easy digestion and promotes flavor development. During ripening, many changes happen in fruit cells to produce sugars and enzymes that are needed for the metabolic respiration of the fruit.
The ideal temperature for ripening is between 40-50 degrees Celsius or 104-122 degrees Fahrenheit depending on whether you want your fruit to be soft or firm.
A higher temperature will cause the slices to become firmer. If you want it to be soft, then you can choose room temperature for ripening.
There are several methods that help ripen fruits, but here are some of the most common ones for fresh fruits.:
The Paper Bag Method
This is a "slow ripening" method where you hang your fruit in a paper bag with some holes. The fruits will absorb the necessary sugars from the air inside the bag. You can also use wine bottles or cups to do this and you can put your fruits inside it and then place it inside a cabinet or cupboard.
The Box Method
The box method is "fast" and results in very soft fresh fruits that are ready to eat in just four days. First, cut the stem off of your fruit and then place it in a glass or jar. Then add any sugar or juice to cover half of the fruit surface area (the sides of the jar). You can use water, juice, or sugar solutions. The next day, add more sugar to the solution until the solution covers 80% of the fruit surface area (rinse before adding sugar).
The Flour in a Bag Method
This method is even quicker! Basically, you put flour in a paper bag and leave it in the fridge. The gas given off by the flour will eventually turn your fruit green.
Place your fruit in a paper bag, seal it, and place it directly on the floor of your refrigerator. This will cause the gas given off by the flour to ripen your fruit rather quickly since there are no air circulation holes.
The Fruit Basket Method
We love this method because it’s so easy! All you need is about 5 small baskets, 3 containers with lids and a small fan. Rinse your apples, pears, peaches, and other fruits thoroughly. Then, wash the outside of the containers and cut the tops off. Place your fruit in your baskets and gently place them in the containers overnight. The overnight cooling allows the process to begin quickly. We recommend using a small fan to circulate air throughout the container overnight. This speeds up the process even further!
Do try these methods out for yourself if you have an abundance of fruits or want to save time! You can order fruits online from Quicklly and get them delivered to your doorsteps. Indian fruits like mango, jackfruit, pomegranate, etc are also available