Not Ripe | Firm
DAYS TO RIPE: 4-5 Days
If the avocado does not yield to gentle pressure it is considered still “firm” and will be ripe in a few days. Firm, unripe fresh avocados will have a bright green color. Firm avocados are perfect for purchasing a few days (approx. 4 to 5 days) before you plan on serving them to ensure that they will be perfectly ripe and ready to eat for your event. Store these avocados at room temperature (65-75 degrees F). Place in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana if you want to speed up the ripening process.
Almost Ripe | Breaking
DAYS TO RIPE: 1-2 Days
Fresh avocados that are referred to as “breaking” or almost ripe can vary in color so it is best to go by firmness as well as color. Breaking avocados will feel less firm but will not quite yield to firm gentle pressure. If cut, the seed will often be difficult to remove and the inside flesh will be firm and difficult to mash. Breaking avocados should take a day or two at room temperature (65-75 degrees F) to ripen.
Ripe | Ready to Eat
DAYS TO RIPE: 0 Days
If the avocado yields to firm gentle pressure you know it’s ripe and ready-to-eat. Ripe, ready to eat avocados may have a darker color but color can vary so it is best to go by firmness as well as color. It will feel lightly soft but it will not feel “mushy” to the touch. Ripe fruit is perfect for that day. Store in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it in a day or two to prevent the fruit from becoming overripe or spoiled. Find Ideas for how to eat ripe avocados.
Overripe | Past Ripe
DAYS TO RIPE: Past Due
Overripe fruit will feel very mushy to the touch; it may have deep indentations and have darker yellow or brownish colored flesh throughout the inside of the fruit. Spoiled overripe fruit will have a rancid smell that some describe as smelling like “a pumpkin” or “squash-like”. For the best eating experience pass on the overripe fruit and enjoy ripe fresh avocados. Learn more about how to tell if an avocado is overripe or unsafe to eat.
How to pick an avocado
STEP 1: COMPARING AVOCADOS
When comparing a group of fresh avocados, check the outside color of the skin of the avocados for any that are darker in color than the others. These may be riper than fresh avocados with lighter skin. Check the outer skin of the avocado for any large indentations as this may be a sign that the fruit has been bruised.
Note: Avocado color does not always indicate ripeness. Ripe avocados will yield to firm gentle pressure in the palm of your hand.
STEP 2: CHECKING FIRMNESS
Place the avocado in the palm of your hand. Gently squeeze without applying your fingertips as this can cause bruising and check the firmness of the avocado.
How to Buy Avocados Ahead of Time for an Event
Unripe, firm green avocados can be purchased 4-5 days ahead of an event.
Ripe fresh avocados that yield to gentle pressure should be eaten within a day or two. For events that are four to five days out, purchase firm avocados instead. Unripe, firm or green fruit can take four to five days to ripen at room temperature, perfect for celebrations that are a few days out. Just be careful to watch the fruit to make sure the temperature in your kitchen does not cause them to ripen too quickly. If they begin to yield to gentle pressure, place them in the refrigerator to slow the ripening process.
Learn how to slow down the avocado ripening processLearn how to ripen avocados
Q:
Should I remove the stem cap of an avocado to determine ripeness?
A:
As with all fruit, once you break the skin, the oxygen in the air will cause browning. Whether it’s ripe or not, popping off the stem at the market or in your kitchen triggers premature oxidation that can negatively impact color, texture and taste for when you are ready to eat so we don’t recommend it.
The best way to tell if an avocado is ripe is whether it yields to a gentle squeeze in the palm of your hands.
You Can’t Hurry Love… Or Can you?
When it comes to love, timing is everything. Same goes for avocados. Follow these tips to make sure you enjoy every nutritious slice no matter what stage of ripeness.
