To pick a good avocado, follow these key steps: 1. Check the color:
- Ripe avocados typically have dark green to nearly black skin. Bright green usually means unripe, though some varieties may vary
- Avoid avocados with large dents or dark patches that could indicate bruising
2. Feel the firmness:
- Gently squeeze the avocado in your palm (not with fingertips to avoid bruising).
- A ripe avocado feels slightly soft but not mushy. Hard means unripe; too soft means overripe
3. Perform the stem test:
- If the stem is attached, gently pull it off.
- If it comes off easily and the area underneath is bright green, the avocado is ripe and good to eat.
- If there is resistance or the area is light green, it’s not ripe yet.
- If the area is brown or dark, the avocado is overripe or spoiled
Additional tips:
- If you want to use the avocado immediately (e.g., for guacamole), pick a dark green, slightly soft one
- If you plan to use it in a few days, choose a firmer, greener avocado to let it ripen at home
By combining color, firmness, and the stem test, you can reliably select a good avocado ready to enjoy.
