choosing, ripening, storage and cutting tips

CHOOSING, RIPENING, STORAGE
AND CUTTING TIPS
naturally good fats
cholesterol free
Here’s How to Pick the Best Fresh Hass Avocados:
1
STEP
At the store, check the outside color of the skin of the avocados for any that are darker in color than the
others. Color alone does not determine ripeness, but 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 and should not be purchased.
Firm
Breaking
Ripe
Not Ripe
Almost Ripe
Ready to Eat
Days to Ripe: 4-5
Days to Ripe: 1-2
Days to Ripe: 0
Overripe
Past Ripe
Days to Ripe: past due
Note: Avocado color does not always indicate ripeness. Ripe avocados will yield to firm gentle pressure.
When to Know if Fresh
Avocados are Ripe
STEP
1
Place the avocado in the palm of
your hand.
STEP
2
Gently squeeze without applying your
fingertips as this can cause bruising.
STEP
3
If the avocado yields to firm gentle
pressure you know it’s ripe and readyto-eat. If the avocado does not yield to
gentle pressure it is considered still “firm”
and will be ripe in a couple of days. If the
avocado feels mushy or very soft to the
touch it may be very ripe to overripe.
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How to Store
Unripe Avocados
Unripe, firm or green fruit can take four
to five days to ripen at room temperature
(approximately 65-75°F, avoid direct sunlight).
To speed up the avocado ripening process
place unripe avocados in a brown paper bag
with an apple or banana at room temperature
for two to three days until avocados yield to
gentle pressure.
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How to Store
Ripe Avocados
Whole Avocados:
To slow down the avocado ripening process place ripe and ready to eat avocados uncut in
the refrigerator; they will last for several days or longer so you can enjoy them when you
are ready.
Cut Avocados:
Sprinkle cut, mashed or sliced avocados with lemon or lime juice or another acidic agent and
place in an air-tight container or tightly covered clear plastic wrap. Store in your refrigerator;
if necessary cut away darkened surfaces areas before consuming.
Guacamole:
Guacamole often contains other ingredients that may affect how well and how long the guacamole
can be stored. For most guacamole recipes, adding an acidic agent (like lemon or lime juice or
vinegar) can help prevent oxidization when added on top of the guacamole. To store guacamole,
place it in an air-tight container and press clear plastic wrap right on the surface of the guacamole
before covering. Store in the refrigerator. If refrigerated guacamole or cut avocados turn brown
during storage, discard the top oxidized layer and enjoy the rest.
How to Cut or Slice Avocados in Half
Wash your hands, then rinse the avocados thoroughly before cutting or
slicing. Place the avocado on a secure surface; starting at the narrower
end slice slowly down the center lengthwise around the seed. Holding the
avocado in the palm of one hand, use your other hand to twist and rotate
the two halves apart.
How to Remove the Seed or Pit of an Avocado
Slip a spoon between the seed and avocado and gently work the seed out of
the fruit, or cut the avocado half into quarters around the seed and remove the
seed by hand.
How to Peel an Avocado
Simply slice the avocado in half or cut into wedges, then grasp the outer dark
layer or skin and pull it away from the inner green avocado. If some of the darker,
almost black portions of the skin remain on the avocado, simply cut them away.
Do not consume the peel. Note: The skin may be more difficult to peel away on
fruit that is not fully ripe or overripe.
How to Enjoy a Hass Avocado
Fresh Avocados are delicious all by themselves, in guacamole, on salads,
soups and sandwiches, for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks…
visit AvocadoCentral.com for recipe ideas!
naturally good fats
www.AvocadoCentral.com
www.facebook.com/HassAvocados
cholesterol free
@HassAvocados