Climacteric Fruit

Definition

A climacteric fruit is one that keeps ripening after harvest, softening, sweetening and developing aroma off the plant. Banana, mango, papaya, peach, apricot and many pears are typical examples, which is why they can be sold firm and finished on a kitchen counter. They release ethylene as they ripen. Ripen them at room temperature first, then refrigerate once they are ready to slow further change, and check them daily because the window between ready and overripe can be short. See also: Non-climacteric fruit, Ethylene, Ripening, and the guide "Storing and Ripening Yellow Fruit at Home".