KOMPAS.com – Avocados are a unique fruit in many ways, including the way they ripen.
Unlike other fruits that ripen on trees, avocados will never ripen as long as they are still hanging on the tree.
The process of fully ripening an avocado will only begin after the fruit is picked from the tree.
Also read: Easy ways to store half avocados so they don’t rot easily
Reasons why avocados don’t ripen on the tree
Avocados are included in the climacteric fruit group, namely a type of fruit that requires the hormone ethylene to trigger the ripening process. Other climacteric fruits include bananas, tomatoes, and pears.
However, unlike these fruits, avocados do not produce large amounts of ethylene while still on the tree.
Instead, the avocado tree resists this ripening process until the fruit is harvested. According to some studies, avocados can stay on the tree for up to 12 months without ripening.
This allows farmers to time their avocado harvest and maintain fruit quality longer.
Also read: 7 Benefits of Regularly Eating Avocados, Preventing Cancer and Osteoporosis
After being picked, avocados produce a surge of ethylene which triggers the ripening process. It is at this stage that the avocado begins to develop its soft, buttery texture and distinctive rich, savory taste.
How does the avocado ripening process occur?
Once harvested, avocados release ethylene and begin to increase respiration rates to trigger ripening.
At this time, the fat content that has formed while the fruit was still on the tree will change, creating the texture and taste we know.
Illustration of an immature avocado.
That is why perfectly ripe avocados have a smooth texture that is easy to mash and a richer aroma.
How to slow down ripening during delivery
During shipping and storage, avocados are usually treated in certain ways to slow ripening.
For example, avocados can be stored in cold temperatures or coated with chemicals that inhibit ethylene production to keep the fruit fresh longer.
Also read: How to store cut avocados, you can use red onions
The effects of this substance can last around 20 days. Once the effect wears off, ethylene production will increase again, and the avocado will begin to ripen.
As reported by Kompas.com (11/7/2024), avocados on trees are best picked when they are 6 months old. After that, the avocado can be perfectly ripe and not taste bitter.
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