fruit ripeness A food plant physical characteristic about the ripening stage of development of a fruit. Ripeness entails safety, nutrient composition and consumption characteristics. This term was revised (Aug 4, 2022) from LanguaL's original "degree of plant maturity" label and its "plant or plant part"scope, which leaned heavily toward a fruit-oriented sense. (LanguaL curation note: Use the appropriate narrower term only if ripeness is stated in the food name or label.) FoodOn now has a separate class for plant maturity. food plant physical quality ready for release