Did you know that avocados do not ripen on the tree? They ripen or “soften” after they have been harvested. Hass avocados are unique from some of the other varieties of avocados because they can change from a dark-green color to a deep purplish almost black hue when ripe.
Although skin color can help in the initial visual selection of Hass avocados it is not always the best indicator for ripeness. Ripeness is ultimately determined by pressure, color can sometimes be misleading as avocado “softening” can occur at a varying rate, independent of the color.
Practice makes perfect. If it's your first time selecting avocados, try choosing a couple of avocados that yield to gentle pressure to see how they differ in taste. Or try purchasing an unripe avocado, checking it every day for 2 – 3 days as it softens. Practice will help you learn what to look for when you're in the store.
Ripe avocados that yield to gentle pressure should be eaten within a day or two. Unripe, firm or green fruit can take four to five days to ripen at room temperature. When an avocado begins to yield to gentle pressure, place it in the refrigerator to slow the ripening process.
How To Pick The Perfect Avocado
Step 1
When comparing a group of 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 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.
![How To Pick The Perfect Avocado | healthylivinghowto.com]( "How To Pick The Perfect Avocado | healthylivinghowto.com")
Step 2
Place the avocado in the palm of your hand.
Step 3
Gently squeeze without applying your fingertips as this can cause bruising.
Step 4
If the avocado yields to firm gentle pressure you know it's ripe and ready-to-eat. If the avocado does not yield to gentle pressure it is considered still “firm” and will be ripe in a couple of days. If the avocado feels mushy or very soft to the touch it may be very ripe to overripe.
Healthy Living How To Recommends
- If you like avocados you will also like this healthy recipe for Guacamole.
- Want to learn more about the health benefits of avocados? Check out this post — All About Avocados.
Click +1 Below. What's your favorite way to enjoy avocado?
I love avocados, they are a great source of healthy fats, just consume them in moderation. Too much of a good thing….
How to get heirloom avacodos sent to your house? Avocados are my fav…I grew up in So.. California with avocados in my back yard…
I would like to know, too.
Also make sure to pick avocados with the stem intact – less likely to have brown streaks inside
@Beth Lewis – Good advice on that. I know how to pick up young avacados (The firmest ones I can find), but I’m just plain awful at picking up ones without the brown streaks. Any other advice for this would be so helpful!