How do you ripen avocado?

The Paper Bag Method

1. Choose the right avocado: Select avocados that are firm to the touch but slightly give when you gently press on them. Avoid avocados that are hard as a rock, as they're not ripe yet.

2. Place in a paper bag: Put the avocado in a paper bag with a banana, apple, or other fruit that produces ethylene gas. This gas speeds up the ripening process.

3. Store at room temperature: Leave the bag at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.

4. Check daily: Check the avocado daily for ripeness. It should yield to gentle pressure and feel slightly soft.

5. Refrigerate once ripe: Once the avocado is ripe, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week to slow down the ripening process.

Other Tips:

* Avoid plastic bags: Plastic bags trap moisture and can make the avocado spoil.

* Warmth helps: Warmth also accelerates ripening, so you can try placing the avocado near a heat source (but not directly on it!).

* Ripening Time: The ripening time varies depending on the avocado's starting firmness. It can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days.

Don't worry if you accidentally over-ripen an avocado! It can still be used in smoothies, guacamole, or even baked into brownies.

Happy Avocado Ripening! 🥑