The Ultimate Avocado Test: Pick One Today, Eat It Tomorrow

Check the Color Look for a dark green avocado with hints of black. Too green? It’ll take more than a day. Too black? Might already be ripe or overripe.

Gently Squeeze Give it a light squeeze in your palm (not fingers). It should feel firm but not rock-hard. That’s a good sign it’ll ripen overnight.

Look for Slight Give There should be just a little give—like pressing a rubber ball. If it’s soft, it’s already ripe. If it’s hard, it needs more time.

Check the Stem Pop the small stem cap. If it comes off easily and it’s green underneath, you’re golden. Brown means overripe.

Avoid Blemishes Avoid avocados with deep dents or sunken spots. That could mean bruising or rot.

Size Doesn't Matter Big or small, both can ripen the same way. Focus on texture and feel.

Buy Hass Variety Hass avocados ripen predictably and are easier to judge than other types.

Speed Up With a Banana Need a guarantee? Place it in a paper bag with a banana to boost ripening.

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