Struggling to find the perfect avocado? One day it’s rock-hard, and the next, it’s brown and mushy. With these 10 expert tricks, you’ll never waste an avocado again!
Choose avocados with the stem attached
When selecting avocados, look for ones that still have their stem intact. If the stem is missing, air can enter the fruit, increasing the risk of browning inside.
Store unripe avocados at room temperature
Unripe avocados should always be kept at room temperature. Storing them in the refrigerator too early can halt the ripening process and negatively affect their texture.
Avoid squeezing avocados too much
Many people press on avocados in the store to check for ripeness, but this can damage the flesh and cause brown spots. Instead, gently press near the stem to determine if it’s ripe.
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Use bananas to speed up ripening
Need a ripe avocado fast? Place it in a paper bag with a banana. Bananas release ethylene gas, which accelerates the ripening process.
Refrigerate avocados once they are ripe
To extend the life of a ripe avocado, store it in the refrigerator. The cold slows down the ripening process, keeping your avocado fresh for several more days.
Check ripeness by removing the stem
A quick way to check if an avocado is ready to eat is by removing the stem. If the area underneath is bright green, it’s perfectly ripe. If it’s brown, the avocado may be overripe.
Keep the pit in the unused half
If you only need half an avocado, leave the pit in the other half before storing it in the fridge. The pit helps reduce oxidation, preventing browning.
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Use lemon juice to prevent browning
To keep a cut avocado from turning brown, drizzle a little lemon juice over the exposed flesh. The citric acid slows down oxidation, keeping it fresh longer.
Ripen avocados quickly in the oven
Need a ripe avocado immediately? Wrap it in aluminum foil and bake it at 200°F (90°C) for 10–15 minutes. The heat speeds up the ripening process, but note that the texture may change slightly.
Freeze avocados for later use
If you have too many ripe avocados, freeze them! Mash the avocado, mix in a little lemon juice, and store it in an airtight container in the freezer. It’s perfect for future guacamole or smoothies.
Article is based on information from DR.
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