By Chioma Obinagwam
Fruits are nature’s gifts to us. They are delicious, nutritious, and colorful. They can satisfy our sweet cravings, boost our immune system, and provide us with essential vitamins and minerals. But did you know that how fruits ripen can also affect their quality, taste, and environmental impact?
Fruit ripening is the process of transforming a fruit from an immature and unpalatable state to a mature and edible one. It involves changes in the fruit’s color, texture, flavor, aroma, and nutritional composition. Fruit ripening is regulated by various factors, such as genetics, hormones, temperature, light, and ethylene.
Ethylene is a gaseous plant hormone that plays a key role in inducing fruit ripening for many fruits, especially climacteric fruits. Climacteric fruits are fruits that can ripen after harvest, such as bananas, apples, peaches, and avocados. They have a peak of ethylene production and respiration during ripening, which accelerates the process and makes them more susceptible to spoilage. Non-climacteric fruits are fruits that cannot ripen after harvest, such as cherries, grapes, strawberries, and blueberries. They do not have a peak of ethylene production or respiration during ripening, and thus need to be harvested when they are fully ripe.
However, not all ethylene is natural. Some fruits are artificially ripened using synthetic ethylene or other chemicals, such as calcium carbide, to speed up the process and increase the shelf life and marketability of the fruits. Artificial ripening is often done to meet the consumer demand for ripe fruits throughout the year, regardless of the season or the origin of the fruits. Artificial ripening can also mask the defects or poor quality of the fruits, such as bruises, pests, or diseases.
Artificial ripening has several disadvantages for both human health and the environment. Synthetic ethylene or other chemicals can leave harmful residues on the fruits, which can cause adverse effects on the consumers, such as nausea, headache, diarrhea, or even cancer. Artificial ripening can also reduce the nutritional value and flavor of the fruits, as they are not allowed to ripen naturally and fully. Artificial ripening can also contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, which can worsen the global warming and climate change.
Therefore, natural fruit ripening is a more sustainable and beneficial option for both man and the environment. Natural fruit ripening allows the fruits to ripen on the tree or bush, receiving sunlight, water, and nutrients from the soil. This enhances the quality, taste, and nutritional value of the fruits, as they accumulate more sugars, organic acids, vitamins, and minerals. Natural fruit ripening also reduces the use of synthetic chemicals and the emission of greenhouse gases, which can protect the environment and conserve the natural resources.
Natural fruit ripening can be achieved by using natural biodegradable products, such as chitosan, gum arabic, or cinnamon oil, to delay the postharvest rotting and extend the storage life of the fruits. These natural products are non-toxic to humans and safe for the environment. They can also maintain the freshness and aroma of the fruits, and enhance their appearance and appeal.
Natural fruit ripening can also be promoted by educating the consumers about the benefits and drawbacks of natural and artificial ripening, and encouraging them to choose fruits that are in season and locally grown. This can help them to enjoy the fruits at their best quality and flavor, and support the local farmers and the environment.
In conclusion, natural fruit ripening is a better alternative to artificial ripening, as it benefits both man and the environment. Natural fruit ripening can improve the quality, taste, and nutritional value of the fruits, and reduce the health risks and environmental impacts of synthetic chemicals and greenhouse gases. Natural fruit ripening can also foster a more sustainable and responsible consumption of fruits, and a more harmonious relationship between man and nature.
