to ripen them up? I can place outside on my patio table (in the 80’s-90’s here), or place in a paper bag in the kitchen. Or, are they just a lost cause? (2 replies, last updated by Cathy September 9, 2007)

I read somewhere—probably here—that one could hasten the ripening of an avocado by microwaving it BRIEFLY. Is this true? Or is the best way still the old apple-in-the-paper-bag trick? (9 replies, last updated by Dorothy January 2, 2005)

them in a brown paper bag along with 1 ripe banana, cause I heard that bananas release a chemical that helps other fruits ripen...is that true? is this a good strategy and will it work? Any advice? Dave M.P. (10 replies, last updated by soopling March 30, 2004)

ones hoping they would get better... I stuck them on a windowsill but so far only one of four has any aroma. I know Irwin was trying to ripen some quincey-type fruit a few days ago in a paper bag with a banana. Were you... (2 replies, last updated by Aromatherapy November 14, 2003)

Forgive my ignorance but how does one tell when a cheese is “ripe”? I assume that different cheeses ripen at different times and there is much to this scientific process. But, can I tell from looking at it at the... (3 replies, last updated by KP November 14, 2003)

a uniform bright orange appearance...a few small black spots or even streaks are OK, not however if they are holes. Just a hint of yielding to gentle pressure is preferable, a clue that the persimmon is closer to or even capable... (5 replies, last updated by LoriB December 1, 2004)

I was told that apples emit some kind of ripening (gas) agent? I place them next to avocados and it seems to do the trick. Maybe they would have ripened at the same rate... (9 replies, last updated by grampart July 21, 2009)

I bought a couple on sale and they are still too hard and a little green on the end. Anything I can do to ripen them? Thanks! (7 replies, last updated by greygarious March 16, 2009)

any tips on quickening the ripening process? (7 replies, last updated by James G November 29, 2005)

I’ve got two that are still hard as a rock. Any ideas on what to do to speed up the ripening process? Can’t wait til fall when the domestic ones come in season – they ripen a whole lot better. (6 replies, last updated by torta basilica June 9, 2003)

So I bought a case of mangoes from Costco (9 for $5.99), and left several of them out to ripen. As the days passed, they softened but never became more fragrant or changed color. When I finally cut one up I found that the... (4 replies, last updated by theSauce February 8, 2006)

I’m sick and tired of (expensive) peaches and nectarines that refuse to ever get ripe and juicy on a sunny window sill – it’s infuriating. All too often mine turn into soft potatoes – mealy, if you know... (33 replies, last updated by racer x September 30, 2009)

I’ve been getting fresh madjool dates whenever I see them, but I’m finding that often more than half of the dates that I buy will simply rot before they ripen. I’m storing them in an open bowl at about 25... (0 replies, last updated by Kasumeat August 30, 2007)

Bought some rock-hard avocados and wanted to see if there was a way to speed up the ripening process. I recieved two suggestions on Chowhound: 1) The one I alread knew, put them in a paper bag with a cut apple or banana or 2) Bury... (8 replies, last updated by Steve November 27, 2005)

I have a whole bunch of ripe tomatoes that I need to use. I sliced one up and made grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches already. I’m thinking of BLTs and a village salad tonight. Other ideas? They are on the small side, and... (13 replies, last updated by purple goddess July 18, 2007)