Will Figs Ripen OFF the Tree?
Channel: Ross Raddi
Date: 20/10/2023

Can figs continue to ripen once they have been harvested from the tree? When figs are still attached to the tree, they utilize sunlight for photosynthesis, transforming it into carbohydrates. These carbohydrates then nourish the fruits, making them sweeter. Once a fig is removed from the tree, this process halts since the fruit can no longer access these vital carbohydrates, essentially meaning that figs don't truly "ripen" once harvested.

However, figs do undergo changes post-harvest depending on their environment. For instance, when placed in a dry environment, the fruit's water content can evaporate, resulting in a higher concentration of sugars. This might give the illusion of ripening but is essentially just a transformation influenced by external conditions. Cold weather, when the fig is still on the tree, can make the fruit tougher, while low humidity can lead to water evaporation, thereby concentrating the fruit's sugars. Post-harvest, the texture of figs can become softer, but they can also begin to ferment, rot, or mold if kept in warm conditions.

Introduction (00:00): 
Introduction to the topic of whether figs can continue ripening once harvested from the tree. The initial answer provided is "no".

Sunlight & Ripening (00:27): 
Explanation of how figs use sunlight for photosynthesis, converting it to carbohydrates which get pushed into the fruits to make them sweeter. If a fig is removed from the tree, it no longer gets these carbohydrates.

Environmental Impact (01:31): 
Figs change based on their environment. Even when still on the tree, factors like cold weather can make figs tougher, and low humidity can evaporate water from them, concentrating their sugars.

Post-harvest Changes (02:02): 
After being harvested, figs can change when placed in different environments like a fridge. One method shared involves cutting a fig in half, placing it skin side down in a fridge for up to three weeks, which evaporates water from the fruit, concentrating its sugars.

Texture & Decay (03:02): 
The texture of figs can become softer post-harvest, but they can also begin to ferment, rot, or mold, especially in warm environments.

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