How to ripen avocado

Have you ever bought a few avocados only to realize they’re harder than a rock? Planning a delicious guacamole for your dinner party and cursing yourself for not checking if they were ripe? You’re not alone; many people face the same dilemma. Fortunately, there are simple techniques to bring your hard avocados to ripeness in no time, allowing you to enjoy their creamy texture and rich flavor.

To ripen an avocado, place it in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana. The ethylene gas emitted by these fruits will speed up the ripening process. Alternatively, you can leave the avocado at room temperature for a few days until it softens. If you need to ripen it quickly, another method is to place the avocado in warm water for about 10-15 minutes, then check its firmness.

If you want to dive more into the details, the most effective way to ripen avocados is by utilizing ethylene gas, and placing them in a brown paper bag cuts down the wait time significantly. Apples and bananas produce this natural gas, encouraging avocados to ripen faster. Make sure to slightly close the bag to trap the gas inside, but don’t seal it completely, as some airflow is beneficial. If you prefer a no-frills method, simply leaving the avocados out on the counter at room temperature is an effective way–just be patient, sometimes it may take 2 to 7 days. For an even quicker solution, soaking avocados in warm water can work wonders; however, ensure that the water isn’t boiling, as that could cook the fruit. Always check daily for ripeness, as avocados can quickly go from perfectly ripe to overripe. This way, you can serve your guacamole or avocado toast just as you envisioned!