Cherries, those jewel-toned fruits that herald the arrival of summer, are a beloved treat. Their sweet, tart flavor and satisfying snap make them irresistible. But have you ever wondered if the cherries you buy at the store or pick yourself will continue to ripen after they’ve been harvested? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t a simple yes or no. Understanding the science behind fruit ripening and how it applies to cherries can help you make informed decisions about purchasing and storing these delectable fruits.
Understanding Fruit Ripening: A Biological Perspective
Fruit ripening is a complex biological process driven by a cascade of enzymatic reactions and hormonal signals. It transforms a fruit from its immature, often unpalatable state to a desirable one, characterized by appealing colors, flavors, textures, and aromas. This process is crucial for seed dispersal, as ripe fruits attract animals that consume them and subsequently spread the seeds.
The key players in fruit ripening are ethylene and other plant hormones. Ethylene is often referred to as the “ripening hormone”, and it triggers a series of events that lead to changes in fruit composition. These changes include:
- Conversion of starches to sugars: This is what makes the fruit sweeter.
- Breakdown of acids: Reducing the tartness of the fruit.
- Softening of the flesh: Making the fruit more palatable.
- Development of characteristic colors and aromas: Signaling ripeness to potential consumers.
Fruits are broadly classified into two categories based on their ripening behavior: climacteric and non-climacteric.
Climacteric vs. Non-Climacteric Fruits
The distinction between climacteric and non-climacteric fruits lies in their ethylene production and respiration rates.
Climacteric fruits exhibit a surge in ethylene production and a corresponding increase in respiration rate during ripening. This surge, known as the climacteric rise, allows these fruits to continue ripening even after they are detached from the plant. Examples of climacteric fruits include bananas, tomatoes, apples, and avocados. They can be harvested at a mature but unripe stage and then ripened off the vine or tree.
Non-climacteric fruits, on the other hand, do not exhibit a significant climacteric rise in ethylene production or respiration rate. This means that they essentially stop ripening once they are picked. They must be harvested when they are fully ripe because their sugar content, color, and flavor will not improve after harvest. Examples of non-climacteric fruits include grapes, strawberries, raspberries, and, crucially, cherries.
Cherries: A Non-Climacteric Fruit
Now, let’s get back to the original question: Do cherries continue to ripen after picking? The answer, as alluded to earlier, is no. Cherries are a non-climacteric fruit, meaning they do not have the capacity to ripen further once they are removed from the tree.
Once a cherry is picked, the physiological processes that contribute to ripening, such as sugar accumulation and acid reduction, essentially cease. While the cherry may soften slightly over time due to water loss and enzymatic activity, its sugar content will not increase, and its flavor will not improve. In fact, the cherry will likely deteriorate in quality, becoming mushy or developing off-flavors.
What Happens After Picking?
While cherries don’t ripen after picking, several changes can still occur, affecting their quality and shelf life.
- Water Loss: Cherries are prone to water loss, which can lead to shriveling and a decrease in firmness. This is why it’s crucial to store cherries in a cool, humid environment.
- Enzymatic Breakdown: Enzymes continue to be active in harvested cherries, even though the ripening process has stopped. These enzymes can break down cell walls, leading to softening and loss of texture.
- Development of Decay: Microorganisms, such as fungi and bacteria, can cause decay and spoilage, especially if the cherries are damaged or stored improperly.
- Color Change: While the sugar content won’t increase, the color can darken slightly as pigments degrade. This doesn’t indicate further ripening, but rather the beginning of the fruit’s decline.
Choosing and Storing Cherries for Optimal Freshness
Since cherries don’t ripen after picking, it’s essential to choose them carefully at the time of purchase and store them properly to maintain their quality and extend their shelf life.
Selecting the Perfect Cherries
When selecting cherries, keep the following tips in mind:
- Look for firm, plump cherries with a deep, rich color. The color should be uniform, indicating even ripening on the tree.
- Check the stems. Fresh cherries will have green, pliable stems. Avoid cherries with dry or missing stems, as this indicates they are not fresh.
- Avoid cherries that are bruised, damaged, or have signs of decay.
- Give them a gentle feel. Cherries should be firm to the touch, not mushy or soft.
- Consider the variety. Different cherry varieties have different flavor profiles and textures. Researching different varieties can help you find the ones you prefer.
Proper Storage Techniques
Proper storage is crucial for preserving the quality of cherries. Here are some tips for storing cherries effectively:
- Refrigerate immediately. Store cherries in the refrigerator as soon as possible after purchase or picking.
- Store unwashed. Washing cherries before storing them can promote decay. Wash them only when you are ready to eat them.
- Use a breathable container. Store cherries in a container that allows for air circulation, such as a plastic bag with holes or a ventilated container.
- Keep them cool and humid. The ideal storage temperature for cherries is between 32°F and 35°F (0°C and 2°C) with high humidity.
- Use them promptly. Cherries are best consumed within a few days of purchase. While they can last up to a week in the refrigerator, their quality will gradually decline.
Factors Affecting Cherry Quality at Harvest
Several factors influence the quality of cherries at harvest, underscoring the importance of sourcing cherries from reputable growers and understanding the growing conditions.
- Variety: Different cherry varieties have different inherent qualities, including sweetness, acidity, firmness, and color.
- Weather: Weather conditions during the growing season, such as temperature, rainfall, and sunlight, can significantly impact cherry quality.
- Maturity: Harvesting cherries at the optimal stage of maturity is crucial for ensuring good flavor and texture.
- Handling: Gentle handling during harvesting and transportation is essential for preventing bruising and damage.
- Storage Conditions: Proper storage conditions after harvest, such as temperature and humidity, can affect the shelf life and quality of cherries.
Dispelling Cherry Ripening Myths
There are a few common misconceptions about cherry ripening that are worth addressing:
- Myth: Leaving cherries at room temperature will help them ripen.
- Fact: Cherries will not ripen at room temperature. Instead, they will simply deteriorate more quickly.
- Myth: Placing cherries in a paper bag will help them ripen.
- Fact: This method is effective for climacteric fruits like avocados and bananas, but it will not work for cherries.
- Myth: Darker cherries are always sweeter.
- Fact: While darker color often indicates ripeness, sweetness can vary depending on the variety and growing conditions.
- Myth: All cherries taste the same.
- Fact: There are many different cherry varieties, each with its unique flavor profile.
Enjoying Cherries at Their Peak
Cherries are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer them fresh, baked into pies, or made into jams and preserves, understanding their ripening characteristics will help you make the most of their flavor and texture.
Remember that cherries are best when they are fresh, firm, and full of flavor. By choosing them carefully and storing them properly, you can savor the taste of summer for as long as possible. Because they do not continue to ripen after being picked, select your cherries wisely and handle them with care.
While cherries won’t magically become sweeter or more flavorful on your countertop, appreciating their unique characteristics and selecting the best ones available will guarantee a delicious and satisfying experience.
Do Cherries Continue to Ripen After Picking?
No, cherries do not continue to ripen after they have been picked from the tree. Unlike some fruits like bananas or avocados, cherries are non-climacteric fruits. This means that they do not have the ability to continue the ripening process once they are separated from the parent plant. The sugar content, color, and overall sweetness of the cherry will remain the same as when it was harvested.
Therefore, it is crucial to only pick cherries that are already fully ripe on the tree. Look for deep, vibrant color and a slightly soft texture. If you pick a cherry that is still light in color or firm to the touch, it will not become sweeter or more ripe after picking. Choose wisely to enjoy the best possible flavor and quality.
Why Can’t Cherries Ripen After Being Picked?
The key difference lies in the fruit’s physiology. Climacteric fruits, like tomatoes, produce ethylene gas which triggers a cascade of ripening processes. Cherries, as non-climacteric fruits, do not produce significant amounts of ethylene after being picked. Consequently, the biochemical changes that lead to ripening, such as starch conversion to sugars and the softening of the fruit, cease once the cherry is detached from the tree.
Essentially, the cherry relies entirely on the tree for its continued development and maturation. The tree provides the necessary nutrients and hormonal signals for the fruit to fully ripen. Once removed from this life support system, the cherry’s metabolic processes slow down significantly, preventing further ripening and leading only to eventual decay.
What Happens to Cherries After They Are Picked?
After cherries are picked, their primary focus shifts from ripening to maintaining their existing state and avoiding spoilage. Respiration continues, meaning they consume oxygen and release carbon dioxide, albeit at a slower rate. They also lose moisture, which can lead to shriveling and a decrease in quality. Enzymes within the cherry continue to function, but instead of ripening the fruit, they contribute to breakdown and eventual decay.
Proper storage is crucial to slow down these processes. Refrigerating cherries immediately after picking significantly reduces respiration and water loss, helping to maintain their firmness, flavor, and overall quality. Avoiding physical damage during handling also minimizes the risk of bruising and subsequent spoilage.
How Can I Tell if Cherries Are Ripe Before Picking?
The color of the cherry is one of the most reliable indicators of ripeness. Different varieties have different colors when ripe, so familiarize yourself with the specific variety you are harvesting. Generally, a deep, rich color, whether it’s a deep red, mahogany, or nearly black, suggests ripeness. Avoid cherries that are still pale or have a greenish tinge.
The texture is another important factor. Gently squeeze the cherry; it should yield slightly to pressure but not be overly soft or mushy. Also, taste one or two cherries before picking a large quantity. A ripe cherry will be sweet and juicy, while an unripe cherry will be tart and less flavorful. The stem should also be easy to detach from the tree.
Will Cherries Sweeten After Picking if Stored Properly?
No, proper storage will not cause cherries to sweeten after picking. While refrigeration and careful handling can help preserve the existing sugar content and prevent spoilage, they cannot induce further sugar production. The amount of sugar in the cherry is determined at the time of harvest, and that is the sweetest it will ever be.
Think of storage as a way to maintain the quality the cherry already possesses. It helps slow down the degradation processes that lead to softening, browning, and flavor loss. Focus on selecting fully ripe cherries at harvest, and then utilize proper storage techniques to enjoy them at their peak flavor and texture for as long as possible.
What is the Best Way to Store Cherries After Picking?
The best way to store cherries after picking is to refrigerate them immediately. Gently rinse the cherries in cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Place them in a shallow container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a lid with ventilation holes to allow for air circulation.
Avoid washing the cherries until just before you are ready to eat them, as excess moisture can promote spoilage. Storing cherries in this way will help maintain their firmness, flavor, and prevent them from drying out. Properly stored cherries can last for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Are There Any Tricks to Make Cherries Last Longer After Picking?
Yes, preventing ethylene exposure is key to extending the life of your cherries. Keep cherries away from ethylene-producing fruits like bananas, apples, and avocados. Ethylene can accelerate the ripening (and eventual spoilage) process, even in non-climacteric fruits like cherries. Store these fruits in separate areas of your refrigerator.
Also, avoid overcrowding the cherries in the container. Overcrowding can lead to bruising and damage, making the cherries more susceptible to spoilage. Spread them out in a single layer or two, using the paper towels to absorb moisture. Regularly check your cherries and remove any that are showing signs of spoilage to prevent the spread of mold or rot to the rest of the batch.