From corn and soybeans to squash, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, and some strange-looking veggies you’ve never seen or heard of, there are nearly 1,100 types of vegetables in the world (not including all these new-wave hybrids and GMO veggies).
But, do they ripen after being picked? Read on below and find out.
Do Vegetables Ripen After Being Picked?
Yes, and no. Some vegetables continue ripening after being picked (like tomatoes or peppers), but others (like onions or cauliflower) don’t ripen a bit after they’re picked. Make sure to do your research before picking your veggies early, otherwise, you may end up stuck with a bushel full of unripe produce.
How Do You Ripen Vegetables?
Most vegetables that continue to ripen after being picked are rather simple to work with. Sit them in a windowsill that receives plenty of sun for a day or two, or keep them in a bowl on the kitchen counter. You may also opt for sticking them in the produce drawer of your fridge just in case you’d like them to ripen at a slower pace.
How to Tell if a Vegetable is Ripe?
Each vegetable has its tale-tell signs that it is ripe. A few of these indicators are universal. For example, tomatoes and peppers both turn a solid color when they are ripe, be it green, red, orange, yellow, black, or white. They also both start to put off a strong aroma. An obvious sign is that they have stopped getting larger.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
