Ripening: Ripening involves a series of changes occurring during early stages of senescence of
fruits in which structure and composition of unripe fruit is so altered that it becomes acceptable to
eat. Ripening is a complex physiological process resulting in softening, colouring, sweetening and
increase in aroma compounds so that ripening fruits are ready to eat or process. The associated
physiological or biochemical changes are increased rate of respiration and ethylene production, loss
of chlorophyll and continued expansion of cells and conversion of complex metabolities into simple
molecules.