The ripening process can be divided into two stages. In the first stage, the fruits grow and accumulate beneficial substances. In the second stage, growth slows down, organic substances begin to decompose, forming pectin and sugar. Fruits and vegetables become soft, sweet, and acquire the desired color. It is at this stage that fruits can be picked from the parent plant.Favorable conditions for ripening: air temperature +20-22 degrees, humidity 80%. However, each fruit and vegetable has its own nuances.TomatoThis vegetable is most often harvested unripe. Unfavorable weather conditions, fogs, and cool nights can ruin the harvest, so it is better to pick green tomatoes than to lose everything. The optimal temperature is +20 degrees. In a bright place, they ripen faster, but they can also ripen in the dark. You can place a ripe tomato or apple nearby, as they emit ethylene gas, which accelerates ripening.MelonIf the fruits have started to turn slightly yellow, they can be cut from the plant — they will ripen during transportation or at home. When cutting the melon, leave a 5 cm stem, place it in a dark, cool place, and ensure the room is dry. In high humidity, the fruits may rot. If you pick the melon while it is still green, it will not reach the desired condition.Bell PepperYou can safely pick the peppers while they are still green and add them to salads, stuff them, or stew them — there will be no harm. To speed up the ripening process, pick the fruits on a dry day and lay them on the floor. After 14 days, the harvest will reach the desired stage. Some gardeners dig up the pepper bushes, place them in a shed, and enjoy ripe fruits after a month.PotatoesEveryone knows that young potatoes with thin skins are not suitable for winter storage. But what to do if frost or heavy rains threaten to destroy the entire harvest? Try the following method: dig up the potatoes, place them in a dark and dry place, and leave them for 2-3 weeks. The potatoes will dry out and ripen. Then sort them, place them in boxes, and store them in the cellar.ApplesThis fruit can be picked when slightly unripe. If left in the sun, they will ripen in four days. In a dark and dry room — in 8-10 days. The same method works for pears, peaches, and apricots. By the way, exotic fruits (such as bananas) are also often picked from the tree unripe for easier transportation.