Avocados are non-negotiable in many recipes like breakfast toast, guacamole, green smoothies, and even desserts like a keto chocolate mousse. Their unique yet mild flavor and smooth and creamy texture elevate these dishes to a new level.
But this is only if you pick a perfectly ripe avocado. So, before incorporating them into your favorite dishes, you must know how to pick avocado, as unripe ones do not have the right texture and flavor. If you want to learn how to pick an avocado, follow the instructions below.
The color of an avocado can give you a clue about its ripeness. The most common avocados you will find in the markets are Hass avocados. To choose a perfectly ripe Hass avocado, look for ones that are rich, dark green, or almost black.
If it is unripe, it will be a brighter, lighter green. As it ripens, the color darkens to deep green or almost black, meaning it is ready for consumption. However, if you come across other avocado varieties, they may stay green even after they are ripe.
Most people who know how to select ripe avocado might probably be unaware of the stem test. Examining the stems can tell you if your avocado is ripe or not. To perform the stem text, peel off the small stem or cap at the top of the avocado.
If it comes off easily and reveals a bright green color underneath, the avocado is ready to eat. If the area under the stem is brown, the avocado is likely overripe, but if the stem is difficult to remove, the avocado probably is not ripe yet.
When choosing an avocado, avoid bruises or breaks in the skin, as it indicates the fruit is low quality. Bruises form when the avocado is handled roughly or dropped, causing the flesh to become mushy and brown.
To check for bruises, gently press on the avocado in different spots. If you feel soft, uneven areas, it is likely bruised. Visually, look for dents or dark blemishes on the skin, which indicate internal damage. Bruised avocados may be edible, but the texture and taste will be compromised.
4. Timing
When buying avocados, think about when you are planning to use them. If you want to use the avocado within a day or two, follow the instructions mentioned above.
But if you are going to use them 3 to 5 days later, a firmer one allows you to control when it will be ready to eat. You can let it ripen at room temperature, which usually takes 3-4 days. To speed up the process, place it in a paper bag with an apple or banana.
A ripe avocado has a soft but not mushy texture reminiscent of a tomato or peach. To know whether it is soft or not, gently squeeze the avocado.
Avoid poking it and instead place it in the palm of your hand instead of using your fingertips and squeeze. This method helps check the firmness of the fruit without damaging it. If the avocado yields to pressure, it is ripe. If not, it might need a few more days, but if it feels too soft or squishy, it may be overripe
How To Ripen An Avocado
If you did not know how to pick ripe avocados at the market and bought unripe ones, do not worry. These avocados are not a lost cause, as you can use the method mentioned below to ripen them.
Room Temperature
Storing an avocado at room temperature is the easiest way to ripen it naturally. Place the avocado on a countertop or in a bowl away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as it can affect the texture and flavor. At room temperature, typically around 68-72°F (20-22°C), the avocado will slowly soften over 3-4 days.
Check it daily by gently squeezing it. It is ripe and ready to eat when it yields slightly to pressure. This method allows the avocado to ripen evenly, developing its full flavor and creamy texture.
Paper Bag Method
The paper bag method is another effective way to speed up avocado ripening. By placing an unripe avocado inside a paper bag and adding an apple or banana, you create a controlled environment where ethylene gas, naturally emitted by these fruits, accelerates the ripening process.
The paper bag traps the gas around the avocado, helping it ripen faster than it would at room temperature alone. This method speeds up ripening to within 1-3 days, depending on the initial firmness of the avocado. Be sure to check the avocado daily.
Oven Method
The oven method for ripening an unripe avocado involves wrapping it in aluminum foil and placing it in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) for 10-15 minutes. The gentle heat softens the avocado, simulating the ripening process.
While effective for speeding up ripening, it can alter the avocado’s texture and flavor, making it less creamy compared to naturally ripened fruit. After removing it from the oven, let the avocado cool. This method is useful if you need help but should be used sparingly to avoid compromising the avocado’s quality.
This is another fast method, though it is not ideal for preserving its best texture and flavor. To use this method, start by piercing the avocado with a fork to allow steam to escape. Then, wrap the avocado in a paper towel and microwave it on a low setting in 30-second intervals, checking for softness after each interval.
This process helps soften the avocado rapidly but it can alter its can alter its taste and texture, making it less creamy and flavorful compared to naturally ripened avocados. After microwaving, let it cool before using.
How To Slow Down Avocado Ripening
Knowing how to choose ripe avocado can be a disadvantage sometimes. You buy the perfectly ripe avocados only to realize you cannot use them all, and now you are wondering how to extend their shelf life. Here are a few methods you can employ to slow down the ripening process:
Refrigeration
While most vegetables and fruits can be stored in the refrigerator, avocado is best stored on the kitchen counter at room temperature unless you want to slow down the ripening process. Refrigeration slows down the ripening process of avocados because the cold temperature inhibits the natural ripening enzymes, extending their freshness for an additional 3-5 days.
This is especially useful if you want to delay consuming the avocado or if you have ripe avocados that you can’t use immediately. Unripe avocados, however, should not be refrigerated, as this can prevent them from ripening properly.
Keep Whole Avocados in a Cool, Dark Place
Keeping avocados in a cool, dry, and dark place is an effective way to delay their ripening process. The cool temperature helps slow down the chemical reactions responsible for ripening, while a dry environment prevents excess moisture that could promote mold growth.
The dark setting is crucial because exposure to light can accelerate ripening and spoilage. By storing avocados in these conditions, you can extend their shelf life and prevent them from becoming overripe too quickly. This method is particularly useful for unripe avocados that you plan to use at a later time.
Storing avocados in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator can extend their freshness. The crisper drawer maintains a slightly higher humidity level and consistent temperature than the rest of the fridge, which helps preserve the avocado’s texture and flavor.
By placing the avocado in this compartment, you slow down the ripening process and keep it fresh for an additional 3-5 days. This method is ideal for ripe avocados that you want to keep from over-ripening, as the controlled environment of the crisper drawer helps prevent the fruit from becoming mushy too quickly.
What To Do With Cut Unripe Avocado
If you have cut an unripe avocado, do not toss it in the bin. You can take the following steps to salvage it:
Apply Lemon or Lime Juice
Applying lemon or lime juice to the cut surface of an unripe avocado helps prevent browning and oxidation, which can occur when the flesh is exposed to air. The citric acid in these juices acts as an antioxidant, slowing down the enzymatic reactions that cause the avocado to turn brown.
Simply brush or squeeze a small amount of lemon or lime juice over the exposed flesh, making sure to cover it evenly. This helps maintain the avocado's appearance and adds a fresh, tangy flavor.
Wrap Tightly
Wrapping the cut avocado tightly is crucial for preserving its freshness and preventing oxidation. After applying lemon or lime juice to the cut surface to reduce browning, use plastic wrap to cover the avocado completely. Press the wrap directly against the flesh to eliminate air pockets, which can cause the avocado to turn brown and spoil quickly.
This tight seal helps maintain the avocado's moisture and texture, slowing down the deterioration process. Store the wrapped avocado in an airtight container in the refrigerator for the best results.
Refrigerate
Refrigerating a cut, unripe avocado helps minimize spoilage. By storing the avocado in the refrigerator, you can extend its freshness for a few days. To maximize its lifespan, first, brush the cut surface with lemon or lime juice to prevent browning, then wrap the avocado tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to limit exposure to air.
Although refrigeration will not make the avocado ripen further, it can help keep the fruit from deteriorating too quickly, giving you a bit more time to use it.
Storing a cut, unripe avocado in an airtight container is essential to preserve its freshness and prevent it from browning. After applying lemon or lime juice to the cut surface, place the avocado in the container, ensuring it is sealed tightly.
This minimizes air exposure, which slows down oxidation and helps maintain the avocado’s texture and flavor. The container also protects the avocado from absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator, keeping it in the best possible condition. While the avocado will not ripen further, this method extends its usability.
Check Frequently
Checking the avocado frequently is important because it helps you monitor its condition and ensure it remains in the best possible state. Since an unripe-cut avocado will not ripen much more, regularly inspect it to see if it is softening or if there are signs of spoilage, such as browning or an off smell.
This frequent checking allows you to catch any changes early and use the avocado before it becomes too mushy or spoils. By doing so, you can make timely decisions about how to use or discard it.
How To Use Cut Unripe Avocados
Once you cut unripe avocados, they will not ripen much. The next thing you can do is use them. Here are a few ways to use them.
If you have a cut unripe avocado, you can try these options to make the most of it:
Cook It
Cooking an unripe avocado is a great way to use it and improve its texture. Unripe avocados have a firmer, less creamy consistency that holds up well when cooked. You can add slices or cubes to stir-fries, soups, or stews, where the heat will soften the avocado and blend its flavor into the dish.
Cooking also helps mellow out the unripe avocado’s slightly bitter taste, making it more palatable. For example, you can sauté avocado pieces with vegetables or include them in a warm grain bowl.
Mash It
Mashing an unripe avocado involves turning it into a paste or spread, even if it is not as creamy as a ripe one. To do this, cut the avocado into chunks and use a fork or a potato masher to mash it in a bowl. Since unripe avocados are firmer, the texture will be chunkier compared to a ripe avocado.
This chunkiness can work well in dishes where a bit of texture is desirable. You might also need to add extra seasoning to enhance the flavor and balance out its firmer texture.
Pickling unripe avocado is a great way to enhance its flavor and preserve its texture. Start by slicing the avocado into wedges or chunks. Prepare a pickling solution by combining vinegar, water, salt, and sugar, along with desired spices.
Heat the solution until the salt and sugar dissolve, then let it cool. Place the avocado pieces in a clean jar and pour the cooled pickling liquid over them, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before using.
Smoothies
Incorporating unripe avocado into smoothies is a clever way to use it. Since the avocado's firmness is not an issue when blended, it integrates well with other ingredients. To make a smoothie, blend the unripe avocado with fruits like bananas or berries, which provide sweetness and creaminess that can balance the avocado’s less-developed flavor and texture.
You can also add yogurt, milk, or a dairy-free alternative for extra smoothness. The unripe avocado will contribute a rich, creamy texture to the smoothie, though it may need additional flavoring to enhance its taste.
Guacamole
Guacamole is usually made with ripe avocados, but unripe ones can work if you adjust the recipe to account for its firmer texture. Start by dicing or mashing the unripe avocado, keeping in mind it will not be as creamy as a ripe one. To balance the texture, add extra ingredients like finely chopped onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.
Enhance the flavor with lime or lemon juice, salt, and spices like cumin or garlic. The acidity from the lime or lemon juice helps soften the avocado slightly and adds a fresh taste.
Salads
Using cut unripe avocado in salads adds a unique texture and flavor. The firmer texture of an unripe avocado provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with softer salad ingredients like tomatoes or lettuce. Slice or dice the avocado and toss it into your salad with other vegetables, proteins, and dressings.
While it may not have the creamy richness of a ripe avocado, it can still contribute a pleasant, slightly nutty flavor. To balance the texture and flavor, pair it with ingredients that complement its firmer consistency.
