Avocados are a genuine superfood, full of vitamins, healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and plenty of fiber. Not only do they work in everything from your morning smoothie to guacamole, they also fight aging and boost your immune system.
A great recipe multitasker, plus wrinkle-fighting too? I’ll take it! And nothing tastes better than a perfectly ripe, creamy avocado.
Which makes it all the more disappointing when you patiently wait for your avocado to ripen, only to find it’s past its prime once you cut into it. I hate wasting food, but there’s not much you can do to rescue these fruits once they turn brown inside.
Here’s how to tell when your avocado is ready to eat…
How to Tell If your Avocado Is Ripe (Without Cutting It!)
- Apply some pressure. Gently press on the skin of your avocado. If it’s ripe, the flesh beneath should give just slightly. If it’s completely firm, give it another 2-3 days. If it’s mushy, your avocado is past its sell-by…
- Check the color. Depending on the type of avocado, the color of the skin can tell you whether it’s ripe. The skin of a ripe Hass avocado (the most common variety) should be deep purple, almost black.
- Take a look under the hood. On the stem end of your avocado (the more narrow end) is a small divot with a piece of brown, woody stem in it. Remove that bit of stem and check the color underneath. If it’s creamy yellow, your avocado is ripe! Once it turns brown, your avocado is too old and will have telltale brown spots on the flesh inside.
That’s it! Three simple steps, and you never have to waste an avocado again.
If your investigation reveals that your avocado isn’t ripe, but you’re ready now, check out this helpful food hack: How to Ripen an Avocado in Ten Minutes.
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