North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["Donna &/or Kieran" <holycow@cookeville.com>]

Jim,   Don't worry about poking the stem end.  When a few fruits have fallen 
and the rest come right off in your hand, they are ready to be laid in boxes 
for ripening.  We found a single layer was best, and flat soda boxes will 
slide right under a bed.  Put some in a cool place to ripen slowly, others 
in a warm place to ripen quickly.  The most important thing is to get them 
off the tree before grit cells begin forming.     Donna