Green Gold: Mastering the Art of Avocado Selection at the Store

Know the Variety: Hass avocados are the most common and turn dark when ripe. Other varieties may stay green, so know what type you're buying.

Check the Color: For Hass avocados, look for a dark, almost black skin with a hint of green. Too green means underripe, too dark may mean overripe.

Gently Squeeze: A ripe avocado gives slightly under gentle pressure. If it's rock hard, it needs more time. If it's mushy, it's overripe.

Inspect the Skin: Avoid fruit with large indentations, cuts, or sunken areas. These might be signs of bruising or spoilage.

Check the Stem: Flick off the small stem cap. If it's green underneath, it’s good to go. If it's brown or moldy, leave it.

Go by Feel, Not Just Color: Sometimes, avocados may look ripe but feel too firm. Use a combination of feel and color for accuracy.

Pick for When You’ll Eat: Buying today? Get one that’s just soft enough. Buying for later in the week? Choose firmer ones.

Size Doesn’t Equal Ripeness: A small avocado can be just as perfect as a large one. Don’t judge by size alone.

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