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Speeding Up The Ripening Process

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Unless you've gone to a farmer's market or a 'pick your own peach orchard', chances are pretty high that the peaches you purchased in a supermarket aren't ripe. The reason for this is peaches get picked while they're still firm so they'll survive the shipping trips to their final destinations. Here's a tip to speed up the ripening process that you can do at home. According to an article written by Vanessa Greaves for ALLrecipes.com, peaches emit ethylene gas, which is a naturally occurring plant hormone that triggers the ripening process. Enclosing the peaces in a bag (brown paper bags work best), traps the gas and speeds up the ripening. Some people suggest adding an apple or banana to the bag to boost ethylene leves.



Start by picking peaches that have the least amount of green color in the stem area, and are free from bruises.  Next, lay a bag on its side and put the peaches inside, stem side down.  Do not allow the peaches to touch each other.  This allows for maximum ethylene release.  If you have a lot of peaches, you’ll need more bags. Place an apple or banana in the bag if you choose.  Close up the bag & seal tightly.

Leave on a counter at room temperature, undisturbed for 24 hours and then check on them.  They should smell “peachy” and have a warm yellow undertone.  Depending upon how ripe they were to start with, this may take more than 24 hours.  

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