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How to Quickly Ripen Avocados

By Pillsbury Kitchens
Updated October 8, 2024
Person removing the pit from a halved avocado on a wooden cutting board next to slices of toasted bread.
Learn easy ways to ripen avocados naturally!

Avocados are a delicious addition to any meal, but waiting for them to ripen can sometimes test your patience. Don't worry! With some easy tricks, you'll be enjoying perfectly ripe avocados in no time. Let’s dive into the best methods to ripen avocados fast.

Understanding the Ripening Process

Avocados ripen after they’re harvested, and they do this best with the help of ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone. How does ethylene work? Ethylene gas triggers the natural ripening process by breaking down cell walls and starches, which makes the fruit softer and sweeter over time. Fruits like apples and bananas produce this gas, making them perfect partners for speeding up the ripening process of avocados.

The Banana & Paper Bag Method

One of the most effective ways to get those avocados ripe quickly is using bananas and a paper bag. Here’s how:

  • Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need an unripe avocado, a ripe banana, and a brown paper bag.
  • Bag Them Together: Place the avocado and banana inside the paper bag. Fold the top of the bag to trap the ethylene gas released by the banana inside.
  • Check Daily: Every 12 to 24 hours, gently press the avocado. When it yields slightly to pressure, it’s ready to eat.

This simple method can ripen your avocados in as little as 1-2 days!

Using Other Ethylene-Producing Fruits

Bananas aren’t the only fruit that can do the job. Apples and kiwis also work wonders. Just swap the banana for any of these fruits and follow the same steps.

Monitoring Avocado Ripeness

Signs Your Avocado Is Ripe

  • Color Change: The skin turns from bright green to a darker, almost black shade.
  • Feel: It yields to gentle pressure without feeling mushy.
  • Stem Check: Flick off the small stem at the top. If it comes off easily and shows green underneath, it’s good to go!

Patience is key, but so is timing. Check your avocados daily. They should be slightly firm but yield to gentle pressure. If they feel mushy, they might be overripe.

Signs Your Avocado Is Over Ripe or Rotten

  • Color Change: The skin won't just be darker, but will continue to darken to a deep black. If white or colored specks have appeared, it's starting to grow mold and should be immediately discarded.
  • Feel: Gentle pressure on an over ripe avocado will squish quickly and easily.
  • Stem Check: If you flick off the small stem at the top and see a brown color underneath, the avocado is past its prime.

Avocado Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate Ripe Avocados: Once ripe, avocados should be stored in the refrigerator to prolong their freshness. This keeps them fresh for up to 3 to 5 days, but be sure to check them for freshness. Avoid refrigerating unripe avocados—it will delay the ripening process.
  • Use Lemon Juice: If you've opened an avocado and decide not to finish it, you can brush the flesh with lemon juice to help slow the browning process. Due to oxidation, it won’t stop it entirely. For best results, store the lemon-coated avocado in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within 1-2 days. If it does brown a considerable amount, you can simply remove the top layer to see if it runs throughout or if it's just on the surface. Often, in the first few days it will remain bright green and usable underneath the oxidized surface.
  • Freeze for Later: Scoop out the flesh, mash it up, and freeze it in an airtight container. However, note that freezing may affect the texture, making it better suited for recipes like guacamole or smoothies rather than slices.

Myths vs. Facts

Beware of ineffective hacks! Methods like using flour, rice, or microwaves don’t ripen avocados properly. These can result in poor texture or flavor. Microwaving avocados to speed up ripening can alter the texture, making them less creamy. This method is not recommended for achieving the best flavor or texture. Stick to natural ethylene-producing fruits for the best results.

To wrap it up, ripening avocados doesn’t have to be a waiting game. Using simple tricks like pairing them with bananas or apples in a paper bag will have them ready to eat in no time. Just be sure to check for the telltale signs of ripeness and store them properly to keep them fresh. Before you know it, you’ll have perfectly ripe avocados ready for your next meal!