afterripening
noun
af·ter·rip·en·ing
¦af-tər-¦rī-pən-iŋ
: a complex enzymatic process occurring in seeds, bulbs, tubers, and fruits after harvesting and often necessary for subsequent germination or palatable consumption
Word History
Etymology
after- + ripening, gerund of ripen
First Known Use
1842, in the meaning defined above