How to Ripen Peaches, Nectarines and Plums

Give fruit time to soften.

Stone fruits like peaches, nectarines and plums are often picked early so they will still be fresh by the time they get to the grocery store. Unfortunately, that means the fruit may be too firm or even hard when you get it home. There is an easy trick to get the fruit to soften. Select fruit that is unblemished and not bruised, and don't push too hard on the fruit when testing for ripeness because you could bruise it.

Things You'll Need

• Paper bag and ripe banana
• Cardboard box and newspaper
• Linen or cotton cloth

Instructions

1. Place the peaches, plums or nectarines that you wish to ripen in a single layer in a paper bag. Add a ripe banana to the bag. Roll the top loosely and leave the bag on the counter. Check the fruit each day to see if it is ready.

2. Arrange larger quantities of fruit in a single layer in a shallow cardboard box so that none of the fruit is touching. Cover lightly with newspaper and place in a dark cupboard. Check the fruit daily.

3. Place the peaches, plums and nectarines on a linen or cotton cloth and drape another cloth over the fruit. Check daily until the fruit is soft. Some people think this method is the least likely to promote rotting, though it can take longer than the paper bag method.

Tips & Warnings

• If you haven't tried organic fruit yet, do so: peaches, nectarines, and plums are all available as organic, and taste great!

• Do not push too hard on the fruit when testing for ripeness because you will bruise it.