How to quickly ripen peaches at home

It's quite common for peaches or nectarines to be prematurely picked before they reach peak ripeness. If you find hard, unripe fruit, don't despair—it's easy to fix.

The thing is, they ripen naturally by releasing ethylene gas. However, in nature, this gas quickly evaporates. At home, ripening occurs more quickly. One common method is a paper bag. It is used as an airtight container in which the peaches are allowed to ripen.

Place the fruit in a bag along with the banana. It releases a lot of ethylene, which will speed up the process. Polyethylene and plastic are not recommended. These substances contain too much gas. Excess is sometimes worse than deficiency.

The shelf life depends on the degree of ripeness. Make sure that the peaches do not sit in the container for too long and that no moisture gets inside. Such problems can lead to rotting. On average, one to two days is enough for the fruit to reach the point where you can enjoy a juicy, sweet treat. If the fruit is still hard after this period, it's a good idea to extend the process for another day.

The peaches should be stored in a dry and warm place. You can use linen instead of a bag; the principle is the same. Choose a piece of cloth that's comfortable enough for the peaches to sit comfortably and not touch each other. Place them stem-side down and wrap them as tightly as possible, limiting oxygen supply to speed up the ripening process. It might seem difficult to make a napkin airtight. Simply fold the corners inward or press them with a press on all four sides, without touching the peaches. Kitchen utensils, dishes, jars, or spice barrels can be used as a press.

Experienced homemakers know what to do with unripe fruit. Simply place it in a warm, well-lit place for two to three days. Once exposed to sunlight, the process will begin automatically.

Remember: there are no chemicals that will ripen peaches in an hour. You'll agree, it's better to let peaches ripen naturally. Especially if children will be eating them.

Once you've achieved the desired result and the treats are ripe, inquire about proper storage of peaches. It's best to eat ripe peaches as soon as possible, but if you have a large supply, set aside a separate spot in the refrigerator, in the crisper drawer.