Few things in the world are tastier and more juicy than a ripe peach, and few are as disappointing as biting into a hard and still unripe peach. If you have had the misfortune of purchasing unripe peaches, don't despair, there is a solution. This article shows you how to make them mature in a simple and quick way.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use a Paper Bag
Step 1. Get a paper bag
Those used to pack bread are ideal for this purpose. Peaches naturally release ethylene gas, which will be trapped by the paper bag, while the moisture will not be retained. Plastic food bags are not suitable for this purpose because they ripen the fruit too quickly causing it to decompose rapidly.
Step 2. Return the peaches to the bag
Place the unripe fruit inside the paper bag. To facilitate the ripening process, add a banana or apple as well. Both fruits are capable of emitting a significant amount of ethylene gas, which is responsible for the rapid ripening of peaches.
Step 3. Wait for the fruits to ripen
Store the paper bag in a dry area at room temperature for 24 hours. The exact amount of time required for peaches to fully ripen varies based on the number of fruits and their degree of initial ripeness.
Step 4. Check the peaches
After 24 hours, check how far the fruit is. If they have a light scent and are soft to the touch, it means they are ripe and ready to be enjoyed. If not, leave them inside the bag for another 24 hours. Repeat this step until they reach the right degree of ripeness.
If they have not yet ripened, leave them in the bag for another 12-24 hours
Step 5. Enjoy your peaches
When all the fruits have reached maturity you can finally eat them. Store them at room temperature for a few days or, if you wish, extend their shelf life by refrigerating them.
Method 2 of 2: Use a Linen Cloth
Step 1. Spread out a linen napkin
Choose a clean, dry place (such as the kitchen worktop) to spread out a linen or cotton napkin. Make sure it is flat so you can use the entire surface.
Step 2. Arrange the peaches
Place them in the center of the napkin, with the petiole facing down. They must be equidistant from each other, without coming into contact with each other (this indication is valid even if there are many peaches).
Step 3. Cover the peaches
Cover them using a second linen or cotton napkin. Cover the fruits completely and, if possible, tuck the edges of the second napkin under the first, so that the outside air cannot come into contact with the peaches.
Step 4. Wait for it to mature
This method may take several days, but it can ensure your fruit gets much juicier. After 2 or 3 days, find out what is the degree of ripeness reached by the peaches by focusing on their scent and their softness. If the peaches aren't ripe yet, put them back inside the napkins and check them again the next day.
Step 5. Enjoy your ripe peaches
When they are soft to the touch and smell good, they are ready to eat. Enjoy them immediately or store them in the refrigerator to last longer.
Advice
- When touching peaches, do not press them hard, otherwise dark spots may form. Unlike what happens with most other fruits, the spots will continue to expand until the fruit completely rot within a day or two.
- The methods described in this article allow you to ripen nectarines, apricots, kiwis, mangoes, pears, plums, bananas and avocados as well.
