climacteric fruits

Climacteric fruits are those that ripen significantly after being harvested, mainly due to a natural surge in ethylene gas production and respiration rate during ripening. This process involves changes like increased sugar content, softer texture, and enhanced flavor and aroma. Examples include bananas, apples, and tomatoes. These fruits can be picked before fully ripe and will continue to develop flavor and texture off the plant. In contrast, non-climacteric fruits (like strawberries and grapes) do not ripen much after harvest. Understanding this helps in proper harvesting and storage to ensure optimal freshness and flavor.