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Githeri, salads, guacamole are good with avocados and the fruit is global delicacy. Avocados are a delicious and nutritious fruit, but selecting one that’s perfectly ripe can sometimes be tricky.
Whether you’re preparing guacamole, adding slices to your sandwich, or making a smoothie, knowing how to choose the right avocado can save you from disappointment. Here are five simple ways to tell if an avocado is ripe and ready to enjoy.
1. Check the skin colour
The skin colour of an avocado can be one of the first indicators of its ripeness. For hass avocados the most commonly available variety the skin changes from bright green when unripe to a dark as it ripens. If the avocado is still light green and shiny, it’s likely not ready to eat.
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However, it’s important to note that not all varieties follow this pattern. Other types like Fuerte or Bacon avocados remain green even when fully ripe, so the colour method works best when you know the variety you’re dealing with.
2. Gently press the avocado
Another reliable method is to gently squeeze the avocado in the palm of your hand. Avoid pressing with your fingertips as this can cause bruising.
A ripe avocado should yield slightly to gentle pressure without feeling mushy or overly soft. If it feels firm and doesn’t give at all, it’s still underripe.
On the other hand, if it feels squishy or has sunken spots, it may be overripe and possibly spoilt. The ideal avocado is one that feels just soft enough to be sliced or mashed with ease.
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3. Check the stem cap
The small stem at the top of the avocado sometimes called the ‘button’ can also reveal how ripe it is. If you gently remove the stem and see green underneath, the avocado is ripe and ready to eat.
If the area beneath the stem is brown, the fruit may be overripe and could have brown spots inside. If the stem doesn’t come off easily, it’s a sign that the avocado still needs more time to ripen.
This quick trick is particularly helpful when you're short on time or picking from a large batch.
4. Listen for the seed (for very ripe avocados)
This method is less common but can be effective when dealing with very ripe avocados. By gently shaking the avocado near your ear, you may hear the seed rattling inside.
This sound suggests that the flesh has softened enough for the seed to move, indicating that the avocado is very ripe.
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READ ALSO: How much avocado a day is too much?
While this technique isn’t necessary for everyday use, it can be a final confirmation when you're unsure if the avocado is ready to cut open.
5. Feel the texture of the skin
The texture of the skin can also offer a clue. Ripe Hass avocados usually have a bumpy, coarse exterior, which becomes more pronounced as they ripen.
While this doesn’t apply to all varieties since some like the Fuerte avocado have smooth skin it’s another useful sign when selecting Hass avocados. Generally, if the skin feels rough and the fruit is slightly soft, you’ve likely found a good one.