Crossword Genius

What’s splendid to ripen in a kitchen cupboard (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pageantry

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'a kitchen cupboard' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'what's splendid to ripen in' is the wordplay.
'what's splendid' becomes 'pantry' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'to ripen' becomes 'age' (I've seen this in another clue).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'pantry' going around 'age' is 'PAGEANTRY'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pageantry that I've seen before include "Splendid display" , "Show" , "Spectacle" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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