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This guide will show you How to Ripen Avocados quickly. We will also show you how to choose the right one at the store and how to store avocados properly.

Close up image of an avocado in half with three whole avocados.
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How to Ripen Avocados:

We love California Avocados. We love adding them to our smoothies, avocado toast or top them on our tacos. Avocados are so good for you and provide many health benefits.

The only problem with avocado’s is knowing the right time to eat them. Depending on the stage of your avocado will determine when you can eat them. If your avocado is not ripen enough, you will not be able to cut into them or mash them.

But if they are too ripen then the texture and the look of the avocado will not be tasty.

How to tell if an Avocado is ripe:

Here are some helpful tips to determine what stage your avocado is in when you are at the grocery store:

  • A avocado that is ripen is when it is a dark green color. Also under the stem, if it is green then it is ready to be eaten.
  • Softly press the avocado with your hands to see if it soft.
  • The stem is an important part of the avocado. It tells us so much as to when the avocado is ready to be eaten. If it is easily able to be removed, then it is ready, but if is stuck on the avocado then you need to give the avocado more time.
Close up image of three avocados in different stages of ripening.

The 3 Stages of a Ripe Avocado:

  • The first stage of an avocado – Hard, dark green unriped avocados are in the beginning stages of the ripening process. It usually takes about 5-7 days before the avocado is ready to eat. If it is hard to the touch, then it is not ready to be cut and eaten. Make sure to keep at room temperature.
  • Second Stage of an avocado – The is the best stage of the avocado. Your avocado will be very dark, almost black at the stage that is ready to be eaten. It is soft to the touch and when you cut with a knife into it and split it into halves, the avocado will be bright green.
  • Stage Three – This is the stage that an avocado will be in when you have passed the time to eat. The avocado will be very mushy to the touch, and when you slice into it the insides will be very dark. The avocado will need to be tossed.
Close up image of an avocado in half with one whole avocados with a knife.

How to Ripen Avocados Quickly:

The best way to speed up the ripening process let it ripen naturally. But there are times, that I need it for a meal so I use these tricks to get the perfect ripeness quickly.

  • Place in the oven – If you are short on time and need a avocado place it in the oven. Put avocado in foil on a baking sheet. Place in the oven preheated to 200 degrees for 10 minutes.
  • Have other fruits help – I place the avocados in a bowl, next to bananas or an apple and helps to aid in the process of ripening the avocado. Avocados produce ethylene gas and this helps to soften it.
  • Brown Paper Bag – You can also place avocado in paper bag as well.
  • Uncooked Rice – Place avocado in a bowl of uncooked rice to quickly ripen your avocado.
Close up image of an avocado in half with one whole avocados.

Can you ripen an Avocado in the Microwave?

Yes, you can ripen an avocado in the microwave. Cut Avocado in half and remove the seed. Wrap in a plastic wrap and place in the microwave. Cook for about 2 minutes in the microwave, then run avocado under cool water to stop the cooking process.

How to Store Cut Avocados?

When you have a half avocado, wrap in a plastic wrap tightly with the seed and place in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 1-2 days. If there is any brown spots on the avocado just spoon this part off and the rest will be good.

Close up image of an avocado in half with two whole avocados.

Print the Instructions Here:

How to Ripen Avocados

5 from 15 votes
This guide will show you How to Ripen Avocados quickly. We will also show you how to choose the right one at the store and storing avocados.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 2
Cuisine American
Course Side Dish
Calories 161

Ingredients

  • 1 Avocados
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Instructions

  • Place in the oven – If you are short on time and need a avocado place it in the oven.
  • Put avocado in foil on a baking sheet. Place in the oven preheated to 200 degrees for 10 minutes.
  • Have other fruits help – I place the avocados in a bowl, next to bananas or an apple and helps to aid in the process of ripening the avocado. Avocados produce ethylene gas and this helps to soften it.
  • Brown Paper Bag – You can also place avocado in paper bag as well until the avocado is ripened.
  • Uncooked Rice – Place avocado in a bowl of uncooked rice to quickly ripen your avocado.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 161kcal, Carbohydrates 9g, Protein 2g, Fat 15g, Saturated Fat 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat 2g, Monounsaturated Fat 10g, Sodium 7mg, Potassium 487mg, Fiber 7g, Sugar 1g, Vitamin A 147IU, Vitamin C 10mg, Calcium 12mg, Iron 1mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

5 from 15 votes (15 ratings without comment)

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