Vegetables That Keep Well. The reason is that apples and pears, as well as many other fruits, produce a gas called ethylene, which accelerates the ripening process of other fruits and vegetables that happen to be nearby. If you've ever heard that you can ripen an avocado by storing it in a bag with an apple, it's true.

This works well in a crock pot, put meat in early (in the morning before kids arrive). Some notes of caution when roasting vegetables: Hours of daylight sun to grow well.