How to Ripen Avocado: 3 Easy Methods

Avocado in a salad, or in the dressing, on a sandwich or the usual guac - it is always delicious. It is such a nutritious fruit with good fats that lower bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Unfortunately, it seems more often than not, the market always has the green, unripe avocados. But, did you know that you can ripen an avocado quickly by following a few simple tips and tricks?

Below, we'll show you how to ripen avocado fast and if you have excess, we’ll also show you how to store avocado properly so that you can enjoy it at its best.

How to Ripen Avocado Fast

If you need to ripen an avocado quickly, there are a few methods you can try. Here are some of the most effective ones:

1. Brown bag + Banana method

Put the avocado in a brown paper bag with an apple or a banana. The ethylene gas produced by these fruits will speed up the avocado ripening process. Bananas are especially effective because within a day or two, your avocado will be ripe. Your banana will become overripe but it will be perfect for some banana bread or any of our favourite overripe banana recipes.

2. Rice or flour method

Place your avocado in a bowl of rice or flour. The rice or flour will absorb moisture from the avocado, which will speed up the ripening process.

3. Cling wrap method

Sometimes after cutting an avocado you thought was ripe, you’ll discover that it isn’t fully ripe. Simply fuse back the avocado halves and cling wrap, and put it in the fridge. The cut avocado will continue to ripen, albeit slowly. 

How to Soften Avocado

Others consider this microwaving method a way to ripen avocado immediately but after trying it, we can honestly say it just softens it. This quick fix may help if you need to make guacamole for an event, but the other 3 methods above are a better way to let your avocado ripen. Moreover, avocados softened this way do not contain the same beneficial nutrients as those that take a bit more time to ripen. 

So, if your avocado is too hard, you can soften it by following these steps:

• Wrap the avocado in a damp paper towel.
• Microwave the avocado for 30 seconds on high.
• Check the avocado to see if it's soft enough. If it's still too hard, microwave it for another 30 seconds.

How to Store Avocado

If you have ripe avocados that you're not ready to eat yet, you can store them in the refrigerator to slow down the ripening process. Simply put the avocados in a plastic or paper bag and seal it. Place the bag in the refrigerator. The cold slows down the ripening process.

How to Store Ripe Avocado

If you have ripe avocados that you're not going to eat right away, you can store them in the refrigerator for a few days. Here's how:

• Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit.
• Brush the flesh with lemon juice to prevent browning.
• Place the avocado halves in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap.
• Store the avocado in the refrigerator.

Can You Freeze Avocado?

Yes, you can freeze avocado. Here's the best method how:

• Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit.
• Scoop the flesh out of the avocado halves and place it in a blender.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice and blend until smooth.
• Transfer the pureed avocado to a freezer-safe container and freeze.

How Long to Keep Avocado in the Fridge

Once an avocado has ripened, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. If the avocado is unripe, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

How to tell if an avocado is ripe

1. Skin color - A ripe avocado has a dark brown to black skin color. If the skin is green, it means the avocado is not yet fully ripe.

The ripeness of an avocado can also be determined by its color

1. Bright green skin: The avocado is not yet ripe and will need a few more days to ripen.

How Long Do Avocados Take to Ripen?

Avocados typically take several days to ripen. The length of ripening time can vary depending on the avocado's degree of ripeness, the temperature of the surrounding environment, and other factors.

If you have a hard avocado, you can let it ripen at room temperature. Ripening can take anywhere from 3 to 6 days. To speed up the ripening process, you can place the avocado in a paper bag or a sealed plastic container with a banana or an apple. Fruits emit ethylene, which can help accelerate the ripening process.

When the avocado is soft and yields to gentle pressure, it means that it is riper and ready to eat. If you want to stop the ripening process, you can store the avocado in the refrigerator. The fridge slows down the ripening process and keeps the avocado fresh for a few days.

What to make with ripe avocado

Ripe avocados can be used to create plenty of delicious and healthy meals. Whether you're in the mood for a simple avocado toast or a more elaborate salad or guacamole recipe, there are plenty of options to choose from.Here are a few ways to use ripe avocados in your cooking:

Chilled Chile con Queso with Avocado

This is a refreshing and flavourful dip that's so perfect for warm weather. The dish combines creamy melted cheese with spicy green chillies and fresh chunks of ripe avocado. It's easy to make and can be served with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, nachos, or quesadillas. 

Green Halibut Ceviche

This is a great combination of fresh halibut with a zesty blend of lime juice, cilantro, avocado and jalapenos. It is such a light and refresshing dish.

Healthy smoked salmon sandwich with fresh cheese, avocado and broccoli hummus

This smoked salmon sandwich with fresh cheese, avocado, and broccoli hummus is a nutritious and meal easy to make. The combination of flavours and textures makes it a satisfying and healthy lunch option.

Avocado-Chickpea Salad with Halibut

The salad is made with mashed avocado, chickpeas, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice, which gives it a tangy and refreshing flavour. The seared halibut adds a nice crunch and a touch of protein to the dish, making it a perfect meal for lunch or dinner.

Easy and tasty tuna and salmon tartare with avocado sushi 

This recipe is an easy and delicious take on the classic tuna and salmon tartare, served on top of avocado sushi. The tartare is made with fresh tuna and salmon, mixed with avocado, sesame oil, soy sauce, and lime juice, giving it a zesty taste.