To ripen avocados quickly, here are the most effective methods:
- Paper Bag with Ethylene-Producing Fruit : Place the avocado in a brown paper bag along with a banana, apple, or kiwi. These fruits emit ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that speeds up ripening. Folding the bag traps the gas around the avocado, accelerating the process. This method typically ripens avocados within 1 to 4 days
- Warm, Sunny Spot : Setting avocados on a windowsill or another warm area in your kitchen can speed ripening naturally. The warmth encourages ethylene production, and avocados usually ripen in 2 to 5 days this way
- Oven Method (Softening, Not True Ripening) : Wrap the avocado in foil and bake it at 200°F (about 90°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. This softens the avocado quickly by releasing gases that mimic ripening, but the flavor and texture won't be as rich as naturally ripened fruit. Let it cool before cutting
- Microwave Method (Softening Only) : Cut the avocado in half, wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap, and microwave in 30-second bursts until soft. Immediately submerge in ice water to stop cooking. This softens the avocado but does not develop full ripened flavor
Additional notes:
- Simply placing an avocado alone in a paper bag can help, but adding ethylene-producing fruit is more effective
- Avoid plastic bags unless left partially open, as they trap moisture and can cause mold
- Wrapping avocados in newspaper or storing them in a dark pantry can also speed ripening in about 1-2 days
In summary, the fastest natural way is the paper bag with banana or apple, which ripens avocados in 1-4 days. For immediate use, oven or microwave methods soften avocados within minutes but do not replicate true ripening flavor
