To ripen avocados quickly, the best commonly recommended method is to place the unripe avocados in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana. This combination accelerates ripening within 2 to 4 days by trapping ethylene gas, a natural ripening hormone produced by the fruits. Another effective method is to leave avocados in a warm place or on a sunny windowsill for 2 to 5 days, which speeds natural ripening through warmth. Less recommended are oven or microwave methods that soften avocados quickly but do not produce true ripeness or flavor. The paper bag plus ripe fruit method is natural, simple, and yields better texture and flavor than artificial heating. Summary of quick ripening methods:
- Brown paper bag with apple or banana (2-4 days)
- Warm, sunny windowsill (2-5 days)
- Avoid microwave or oven heating for true ripeness
This approach balances speed with maintaining good flavor and texture in the avocado.
