Tomato (IMAGE) Max-Planck-Gesellschaft Caption The color, aroma and nutrient content of tomato fruits change even after harvesting, which is why they are referred to as climacteric fruits. This process is triggered by the plant hormone ethylene, which appears to have no effect on peppers. Credit Claudia Steinert/MPI of Molecular Plant Physiology Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.