The greater the surface area in relation to the volume the more rapid will be the loss of water. 4.9 Ripening of fruits Fleshy fruits undergo a natural stage of development known as ripening. This occurs when the fruit has ceased growing and is said to be mature. The fruit referred to here includes those used as vegetables or salads, such as aubergine, sweet pepper, tomato, breadfruit and avocado. Their eating quality suffers if they are harvested before they are fully ripe because their sugar and acid content does not increase further.
Respiration rate slows gradually during growth and after harvest.
Maturation and ripening are a gradual process. Climacteric fruit ripening-refers to fruits that can be harvested when mature but before ripening has begun. These fruits may be ripened naturally or artificially. The start of ripening is accompanied by a rapid rise in respiration rate, called the respiratory climacteric. After the climacteric, the respiration slows down as the fruit ripens and develops good eating quality.