How To Pick Avocados
Avocados are a versatile and nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking for a ripe avocado to use immediately or want to buy unripe avocados to use later, it’s important to know how to pick the perfect ones. Here are some tips on how to pick avocados at different stages of ripeness.
Firmness + Color
When it comes to picking the perfect avocado, firmness and color are key indicators of ripeness. Here’s how to tell if an avocado is ripe based on its firmness and color:
Not Ripe | Firm
If the avocado does not yield to gentle pressure, it is considered firm and will be ripe in a few days. Firm, unripe avocados will have a bright green color. These avocados are perfect for purchasing a few days before you plan on serving them, ensuring that they will be perfectly ripe and ready to eat for your event. Store them at room temperature (65-75 degrees F) and place them in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana to speed up the ripening process.
Almost Ripe | Breaking
Breaking avocados will feel less firm but will not quite yield to gentle pressure. If cut, the seed will often be difficult to remove, and the inside flesh will be firm and difficult to mash. These avocados should take a day or two at room temperature to ripen.
Ripe | Ready to Eat
Ripe avocados will yield to firm gentle pressure and may have a darker color. They will feel lightly soft but not mushy to the touch. Store them in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them in a day or two to prevent overripening or spoilage.
Overripe | Past Ripe
Overripe avocados will feel very mushy to the touch and may have darker yellow or brownish colored flesh. Spoiled overripe fruit will have a rancid smell. It’s best to pass on overripe fruit and enjoy ripe, fresh avocados.
Comparing Avocados
When comparing a group of fresh avocados, check the outside color of the skin for any that are darker in color than the others. These may be riper than fresh avocados with lighter skin. Check the outer skin for any large indentations, as this may be a sign that the fruit has been bruised. Ripe avocados will yield to firm gentle pressure in the palm of your hand.
Checking Firmness
Place the avocado in the palm of your hand and gently squeeze without applying your fingertips to check the firmness of the avocado.
Buying Avocados Ahead of Time for an Event
Unripe, firm green avocados can be purchased 4-5 days ahead of an event. Ripe avocados that yield to gentle pressure should be eaten within a day or two. If they begin to yield to gentle pressure, place them in the refrigerator to slow the ripening process.
How to Pick a Ripe Avocado
A ripe avocado will give in to a little pressure, almost feeling like a squishy stress ball but not as soft. It should have a darker green color, and you do not want to see any dryness or indentations. A dry and hard avocado that is dark green is no longer good.
How to Pick Out an Unripe Avocado
If you need an unripe avocado, go for one that is a bright green color and very firm.
How to Ripen an Avocado Quickly
To ripen an avocado quickly, place it in a brown paper bag along with another ethylene-producing fruit like a banana or apple. The additional fruit doubles down on gas production, and the bag traps it. With this method, you will be able to ripen a firm avocado in a day or two.
How to Slow Down Avocado Ripening
If you bought perfectly ripe avocados but you’re not ready to use them, slow down the maturation process by storing them in the refrigerator. The avocados should be fully ripe before you move them from the counter to the refrigerator to halt the ripening process.
How to Store Half an Avocado
If you only use half of an avocado, store the other half by lightly coating the surface with cooking spray and wrapping it with plastic wrap. The oil forms an extra-protective layer over the fruit, which slows down browning caused by air exposure. You can also freeze avocados, but the texture will not be good for anything other than smoothies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the avocado stem trick?
The “stem trick” helps you identify whether an avocado is perfect to eat or overripe by pulling off the nubby stem. However, this test comes at a cost: De-stemming lets air into the avocado, which leads to oxidation and accelerated ripening.
Can I microwave an avocado to ripen it?
Do not microwave avocados. Microwaves can soften the flesh of an avocado, which may make it feel ripe, but the fruit won’t have the same flavor profile of a truly ripened avocado.
Is it OK to eat a hard avocado?
While it is safe to eat a hard, underripe avocado, it won’t have the same buttery, rich taste and texture of a perfectly ripe avocado.
How long do avocados take to ripen?
A green, unripe avocado can take between four to six days to ripen when stored on the counter.
How can you tell if an avocado is ripe?
You’ll know when an avocado is ripe because it yields when you apply light pressure.
Are avocados supposed to be soft or hard?
Avocados should be soft to eat, but there’s no perfect texture for everyone. It also depends on what you’re making. The softest avocados are often best for guacamole, but you might want a firmer one for chopping into salads.
When it comes to picking avocados, understanding the different stages of ripeness and how to handle them is essential. By following these tips, you can ensure that you always pick the perfect avocados for your needs.