Reach Maturity can be described as the process of ripening, which is a five letter word. Ripening is the process of a fruit or vegetable becoming softer, sweeter, and more flavorful as it matures. It is a natural process that occurs over time, and is often accelerated by exposure to ethylene gas. Ripening is an important part of the life cycle of many fruits and vegetables, as it signals when they are ready to be harvested and eaten.