How to Ripen an Avocado

Many people have their own tried-and-true methods for aging an avocado. The methods outlined below begin with ways bordering on old wives' tales and moving into scientific methods. After reading them all, select the step you want to try and proceed with care--you are dealing with a special fruit.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Wrap the avocado in foil. This may be a myth, but some believe that wrapping avocados in foil helps the avocado ripen. Leave it wrapped in foil for several days, checking the avocado periodically to make sure it doesn't over-ripen.

2. Place an avocado on the counter for anywhere from 1 to 9 days to ripen. Early in the season, it takes longer (5 to 9 days). Later in the season, it will only take 1 to 4 days. Leave them in the open air free to breath in the CO2 and be transformed into beautifully squishy delights.

3. Place several avocados in a paper bag. Roll the opening up and wait for a day or two. This is the most popular and quickest method to ripen avocados. Again, because you can't readily see the fruit through the bag, check them each day to make sure they don't over-ripen.

4. Add an apple or a banana to the paper bag in Step 3 to quicken the process. An apple and a banana give off ethylene gas. This gas naturally ripens fruits such as the avocado.

Tips & Warnings

• Press your thumb and pointer finger into the avocado to determine if it has ripened. Your fingers should be able press into the avocado, but not too much. Enjoy.

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