A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion New Members Preparing for "The Ripening"

Hello there!

So, I will first admit I am a consumer, not so much a grower. Because of some allergy issues I developed about 10 years ago (to either certain pollen or pesticides on fruit) I've had to forgo the fruits I used to love like peaches, plums, etc and stick to fruits with a decent peel (bananas, oranges, watermelon) so I can safely eat the insides (though bananas still make my ears itch)

My main aim in joining this forum is because I haven't been able to find answers to recent questions using my normal Google method.

I'm addicted to mandarin/clementine/halos (I know there are differences between them, please don't shoot me). I buy them from various places and last night I got a few packages from the grocery store. I didn't notice till this morning but they looked more yellow than orange. I figured maybe it was just the lighting, opened one up (which opened way easier than usual) and found it was tart, not sweet, and (I'm assuming) not ripe.

Question:

Am I just hosed on these packages? When I google fruits that ripen after being picked I'm not seeing anything in the orange family listed at all. If it isn't a lost cause and they do ripen, what is the best practice? Keep them refrigerated, put them in some sunlight, or just leave them on the counter and wait.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

-CA

Most fruit won't ripen after it has been picked (most citrus, most berries, grapes, pineapple, and watermelon). Some fruit will still ripen off of the vine, but only in the way of getting softer, more colorful, and more juicy; but generally not sweeter (this includes blueberries, figs, most stone fruit, and melons [with the exception of watermelon]).

Apples, pears, mangoes, and kiwis will get sweeter as you let them ripen at home; avocado's, being the odd man out, will only ripen off the vine.

You should ripen your fruit of choice in a paper bag, as it'll contain the ethylene (a gas given off by fruit that aids in ripening) from the fruit (adding an apple or banana will speed the process; banana's especially since they'll produce more ethylene).

When you place fruits in the fridge you slow the breakdown of the sugars (which is generally why I throw my fruit in the fridge as they'll last longer, but they'll be harder unless you let them warm up outside of the fridge before enjoying).