As an interesting (and potentially useful) side note, the browning of
apples releases
ethylene gas which is known to induce flowering of many plants, including
pineapples, and ripening of fruits such as
tomatoes,
citrus, and
melons.
Flowering can be induced by placing cut
apple and your plant under a clear plastic tent, such as those used to hold in
humidity. Once the plant flowers, remove the
apple or the
flowers will wilt very quickly.
To ripen fruit, store it in a
bowl or a
paper bag with ripe
apples or
apple peels.
Don't store
apples near
lettuce (causes spots and
wilting),
broccoli,
cucumbers (turns them
yellow),
bananas (makes them
brown faster),
watermelon (makes it pulpy), or leafy greens (they'll lose their colour).