When it comes to apples, many of us have heard the saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." But have you ever wondered if apples continue to ripen after they're picked from the tree? The short answer is yes, apples undergo changes after harvest, but the process is quite different from many other fruits.

EDS Schoenborn Orchards suggests Apples are unique in the way they ripen. Unlike bananas or tomatoes, which will continue to ripen and soften after they're harvested, apples have a distinct ripening process. When an apple is on the tree, it receives nutrients and energy from the tree itself. Once it's plucked, it loses this source of nourishment, but the ripening process doesn't stop entirely.

After harvest, apples go through two main phases of ripening: ethylene production and starch-to-sugar conversion. Ethylene is a natural plant hormone responsible for triggering the ripening process in many fruits. In apples, it causes a shift from a starchy and bitter taste to a sweeter, more palatable one. This change occurs even after the apple is picked. That's why you can sometimes notice apples becoming slightly sweeter in storage.

The second phase involves the conversion of starches in the apple into sugars. This process, called "cold-induced sweetening," is more noticeable when apples are stored in cold temperatures, such as in a refrigerator. However, it can also occur at room temperature, albeit at a slower rate.

It's essential to note that the extent of ripening in apples after harvest depends on several factors, including the apple variety, storage conditions, and the initial ripeness at the time of picking. Some apple varieties are better suited for long-term storage and continue to ripen slowly, while others are best enjoyed shortly after harvest.

While apples don't ripen in the same way as some other fruits, like bananas or avocados, they do experience changes in flavor and texture after being picked. Ethylene production and starch-to-sugar conversion play crucial roles in this process, making apples a versatile and enjoyable fruit that can be enjoyed fresh or used in various culinary creations throughout the year. So, the next time you bite into a crisp, sweet apple, remember that even after harvest, nature is still at work to make it even more delicious.