Avocados are delicious and creamy. Plus, they are packed with nutrients. However, buying them unripe is often a gamble. You bring them home, and they’re hard as rocks. So, what’s the solution when you’re craving guacamole or avocado toast? Learn how to ripen avocados fast and naturally using simple kitchen tricks. These techniques do not need chemicals or artificial tools. In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know. Whether you want them ready in hours or by tomorrow, we have solid options that work. So, let’s answer the big question: how do you ripen avocados without ruining them?
What Causes Avocados To Ripen?
Avocados ripen because of ethylene gas. In fact, it is a natural plant hormone. When they are picked, they start producing more ethylene. It softens the fruit and enhances its flavor. In fact, warmer temperatures speed up this process. On the other hand, cold environments (like the fridge) slow it down.
Signs of A Ripe Avocado
- The skin turns dark green or nearly black.
- It gives slightly under gentle pressure.
- The stem comes off easily.
- The flesh inside is soft and green, not brown.
Natural Ways to Ripen Avocados Quickly
Let us dive into how do you ripen avocados fast.
1. Brown Paper Bag Method
This is the gold standard of quick avocado ripening at home. Placing avocados in a brown paper bag traps the ethylene gas they emit naturally. This further concentrates it around the fruit. In fact, adding a banana or apple speeds up the process because these fruits give off even more ethylene. You’ll often get ripe avocados within 24 to 48 hours. It’s natural and safe. Plus, it keeps the texture and flavor intact.
Steps:
- Put the avocado in a plain brown paper bag (not plastic).
- Add a ripe banana or apple inside the bag.
- Roll or fold the top of the bag loosely to seal it.
- Store it at room temperature, away from sunlight.
2. Oven Method (For Immediate Use)
If you’re in a real hurry and need ripe avocados the same day, this method works surprisingly well. However, you have to consume it right away, as it can make the taste and texture just a little bit different.
This does ripen the avocado by inducing ethylene more strongly. The catch? The taste may be less nutty, and the texture a bit mushier. Still, it is great for making guacamole in a time crunch.
Steps:
- You have to preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
- Wrap the unripe avocado tightly in aluminium foil.
- Place it on a baking tray and heat for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
3. Rice or Flour Container Method
This lesser-known method is excellent for accelerating the ripening process in a gentle way without using heat or chemicals. Uncooked rice or flour works like a natural incubator by trapping ethylene around the fruit. This is similar to a brown paper bag.
Typically, you will see ripening within 24 to 48 hours. Also, this method prevents bruising since the soft bed of rice cushions the avocado.
Steps:
- Fill a container or bowl with uncooked rice or plain all-purpose flour.
- Now, submerge the avocado inside the rice or flour completely.
- Store the container in a warm and dry place.
- Check daily for softness by gently squeezing the fruit.
Read Must: Is Guacamole Healthy?
4. Ripen on the Countertop (Natural Way)
This is the slowest method to ripen it. However, it is the purest. If you’re not in a rush, simply letting the avocado ripen at room temperature is foolproof. It allows the fruit’s flavor to develop naturally without any external pressure.
Ripening takes 3 to 5 days using this method, usually. It is ideal when you’ve planned meals and want the best flavor and creamy consistency for them.
Steps:
- Place the unripe avocados in a fruit bowl or on the kitchen counter.
- Keep them out of direct sunlight, which can heat or damage the skin.
- Optionally, store them next to apples or bananas to help speed up the process.
5. Microwave Hack (Not Ideal, But Works)
Use this only as a last resort. The microwave will soften an avocado quickly, but it won’t allow the flavour to fully develop. It’s useful when you’re desperate but expect a slight compromise in taste and texture.
While this method does give you softer avocados in minutes, they may be bland or slightly rubbery. Use it only when you absolutely must have a ripe avocado right away.
Steps:
- Poke the avocado with a fork or knife to create small steam-release holes.
- Place it on a microwave-safe plate.
- Now, heat in 30-second intervals on medium power. Also, check it between rounds.
- Allow it to cool fully before slicing open.
Tips to Speed Up the Ripening Process
Here are a few extra ideas to make the process smoother.
Combine With Ethylene-Rich Fruits
Apples, bananas, and kiwis are high in ethylene. Store them near avocados for natural speed boosts.
Avoid Refrigeration
Unless your avocado is fully ripe, avoid putting it in the fridge. Cold stops the ripening process altogether.
Check Daily
Avocados can go from hard to overripe in a day. Gently press the fruit each morning to monitor progress.
Use a Ventilated Bag
If you don’t have a brown bag, use a breathable cloth or net bag to trap ethylene while allowing airflow.
How to Store Ripe Avocados
Now that you’ve figured out how do you ripen avocados, you’ll need to store them correctly once they’re ready.
Uncut Avocados
- Store in the fridge to slow down ripening
- Use within 2 to 3 days
Cut Avocados
- Squeeze lemon or lime juice on the flesh
- Wrap tightly in plastic or keep in an airtight container
- Store in the fridge
- Use within 1 to 2 days
Read Also: How to Pick a Good Cantaloupe
How Not to Ripen Avocados
Some methods can ruin the texture or flavour. Here’s what to avoid:
Don’t Leave in Direct Sunlight
Sunlight can cook the outer skin while leaving the inside hard.
Don’t Soak in Water
Some viral hacks show avocados being soaked in water. This can lead to mold and bacterial growth.
Don’t Freeze to Ripen
Freezing halts ripening. Only freeze avocados once they’re already ripe and only if you’re planning to blend or mash them later.
The Bottom Line
So, how do you ripen avocados quickly and naturally? It’s easier than you think. You can use a brown paper bag or an oven if you are in a hurry. Steer clear of hacks using soaking or freezing. By learning how avocados respond to ethylene gas and temperature, you can regulate the ripening process. Once ripe, you can use them in smoothies, toasts, salads, etc. Remember, the right technique and patience make all the difference. So, the next time you go shopping, you’ll be all set to ripen them just the way you prefer.
