When shopping for avocados, it is common practice to look for those that are already ripe. However, most of the time, these fruits tend to be hard. This is because avocadoes do not ripen on trees. It is only after they are harvested that the process begins. With that said, it is important for consumers to know
how to ripen avocados at home.
The Avocado Ripening Process
Avocados grow on trees and as they mature, their bright green color turns darker. If left too long on the tree, they can over-mature and eventually fall off. When avocados fall from the tree, it is not a good sign. They should be picked before this happens and placed in a cool, dark place for the ripening process to begin.
If you’re learning how to ripen avocados at home, it is crucial to understand the conditions and temperature these fruits need to reach maturity. Firstly, avocados ripen best in room temperature. You should therefore limit their exposure to extreme heat or cold. Secondly, they thrive in darker conditions. It’s easy to assume that sunlight might speed up the process, but this is not the case with avocados.
How to Ripen Avocados at Home
Learning how to ripen avocados at home is easy. It also takes patience and attentiveness. You need to monitor your fruits daily for any changes. With most avocados, the skin turns brown-green or purplish when they are ripe. Sometimes, dark brown spots appear and at other times, the skin might turn a darker shade of green. Most will feel softer and give in a little when squeezed.
How to ripen avocados with paper bag
This is perhaps the simplest method, and involves placing avocadoes in a brown paper bag. Avocados should then be put in a dark space at room temperature. Paper bags are effective because they trap a gas called ethylene, which plays a role in the ripening process. Avocados should ripen in 3-7 days.
How to ripen avocados with newspaper
This works much the same way as the paper bag does. You can wrap each avocado in a piece of newspaper and store in a darker, cool place. Use as much newspaper as you can to prevent ethylene from escaping.
How to ripen avocados with other fruits
One of the most recommended ways to ripen avocados is to add other fruits like apples or bananas. They also release ethylene and the more of this gas you have, the faster your avocados will mature. Add one fruit to the paper bag or newspaper to reduce ripening time to 1-3 days.
What To Avoid When Ripening Avocados
It is advisable not to keep ripening avocados in the fridge or freezer. Only refrigerate after they are ripe instead of prior. The cold temperature will not help the process. You should also avoid cutting or slicing them. It only turns the flesh brown. However, if avocados are already cut, wrap them tightly in plastic and refrigerate.
Types of Avocados
There are several types of avocados. The most popular and prevalent is the Hass avocado. It is usually buttery in consistency and has a dark green skin. Another type is the Fuerte, which is lower in calories and fat content. Other kinds include the Zutano, bacon and cocktail. These are generally harder to find in stores.
Whether you are a beginner farmer or just need to make homemade guacamole, learning how to ripen avocados is simple and quick. Depending on when you plan on eating them, you can use the paper bag or newspaper method. To accelerate the process, add other fruit and monitor changes closely.
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