Avocados are the prime ingredient in guacamole, but the fruit is extremely versatile. You can use avocados in salad or top tacos and other Latin dishes with them. They are a good source of many vitamins, minerals and nutrients, particularly potassium and monounsaturated fat -- one of the healthy fats you should include in your diet. Unlike many other fruits, avocados do not ripen on the tree. Instead, you'll need to allow them to sit for a few days before they are ready to eat.
Step 1
Place the avocados in a paper bag, such as one from a grocery store.
Step 2
Keep the avocados at room temperature. The ideal temperature for storing avocados is between 65 degrees F and 75 degrees F.
Step 3
Check the avocados daily to see if they have ripened. A ripe avocado should be firm, but it will give slightly if you squeeze it. Generally, it takes between two and five days for avocados to fully ripen.
Step 4
Place an ethylene-producing fruit, such as an apple, in the bag with the avocados.The ethylene gas the apple produces will help ripen the avocados more quickly.
Tips and Warnings
- When buying avocados, consider when you will use them. If you don't intend to use them for three or four days, look for firm fruit. If you want to use them in the next day or two, try to find avocados that give a little when squeezed because these fruits have already started to ripen. Avocados will begin to brown soon after they are peeled or cut. If you aren't going to use the fruit immediately, sprinkle it with white vinegar or lemon or lime juice to prevent the browning, the CDC advises.
Things You'll Need
- Paper bag
- Apple or other ethylene-producing fruit, if desired
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