How to Pick the Perfect Avocado: A Simple Guide
If you’ve ever sliced open an avocado only to find a stringy, brown mess—or a stubborn rock-hard pit—you’re not alone. Picking the perfect avocado can feel like a guessing game. But with a few simple tricks, you can become an avocado-picking pro and ensure your guacamole (or avocado toast) dreams stay intact.
Step 1: Know Your Avocado Goals
Before you even touch an avocado, ask yourself: When do I plan to eat this?
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Today or tomorrow? Go for a ripe avocado.
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In 3–5 days? Choose a firm, unripe one.
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Just browsing for the week ahead? Pick a few at different ripeness stages.
Step 2: Color is Clue #1
For Hass avocados, which are the most common:
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Bright green: Not ripe yet.
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Dark green to black: Likely ripe or close to ripe.
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Very black or wrinkly skin: May be overripe.
Note: Other varieties like Fuerte or Bacon stay green even when ripe, so color alone isn’t always a perfect indicator.
Step 3: Give It a Gentle Squeeze
Hold the avocado in the palm of your hand and gently press with your fingers (don’t poke!):
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Hard as a rock: Not ripe.
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Gives slightly with pressure: Ripe and ready!
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Very soft or mushy: Probably overripe.
Think of it like checking a peach or plum—you’re looking for a little give, not a squish.
Step 4: Check the Stem Trick
This little trick can be a game-changer:
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Don’t rely on just one test—use all the clues together.
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Store unripe avocados at room temp. Once ripe, refrigerate to slow further ripening.
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To ripen faster, place avocados in a paper bag with a banana or apple. Ethylene gas = speedier ripening!
In Summary: Picking a good avocado is about color, feel, and a little stem peek. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be slicing into perfect green gold every time.
Got any avo hacks of your own? Drop them in the comments please!
Try some of previous avocado recipes:
Avocado Salad Dressing and Dip. delicious on any salad
Mexican Guacamole! Ole !!
Avocado Caprese Appetizer Platter a delightful appetizer
How to freeze an avocado before it goes brown
Rice, Tomato, and Avocado Salad (yum)
My Notes:
I’m still traveling but I’ll be back commenting on your blogs mid- June. I set up some posts to publish prior to leaving for my cruise and family wedding in Spain!!
