A burst of ethylene production causes the fruit to ripen. As soon as the fruit is picked or if there is an injury to it, it signals the fruit to ripen. Due to the ethylene signal, new enzymes are made that alter the chemicals inside the fruit. Chlorophyll is broken down and new pigments are made that alter the skin colour. The acids break down, resulting in taste alteration. Degradation of starch produces sugar, and changes the quality and juiciness of the fruit. All these changes and more indicate that the fruit is now ripe and ready to be consumed.
Why do fruits ripen?
