Avocados – How to tell if they are ripe.
Colour is often mistaken as the indicator of ripeness for avocados. Colour is an indicator, but “feel” is a better measure of ripeness of fresh avocados.
Fresh avocados do not ripen on the tree, they ripen or “soften” after they have been harvested. Fresh Hass avocados are unique from some of the other varieties of avocados because they can change from a dark-green colour to almost black when fully ripe. Although skin colour can help in the initial visual selection of fresh Hass avocados it is not always the best indicator for ripeness. Ripeness is ultimately determined by consistency. Colour can sometimes be misleading as avocado “softening” can occur at a varying rate, independent of the colour.
Here’s how to pick the best fresh Hass avocados – Step by Step:
Step 1 – When comparing a group of Hass avocados, check the outside colour of the skin of the avocados for any that are darker in colour than the others. These may be riper than Hass avocados with lighter skin. Check the outer skin of the avocado for any large indentations as this may be a sign that the fruit has been bruised.
Note: Avocado colour does not always indicate ripeness. Ripe avocados will yield to firm gentle pressure in the palm of your hand.
Step 2 – Place the avocado in the palm of your hand.
Step 3 – Gently squeeze without applying your fingertips as this can cause bruising and feel.
Ripe: If the avocado yields to firm gentle pressure you know it’s ripe and ready-to-eat.
An overripe avocado will often display some of the following characteristics:
- A mushy dented outer skin.
- Will feel soft like a tomato and will not have that slight firmness when held.
- When cut, the inner flesh may appear dark or brown throughout. If the browning is only in certain spots, this is known as bruising and is not an indicator of the fruit being overripe.
- Smell rancid.
- Have the beginnings of mold starting to form.
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