Ripening Tips for Avocados

Now that you know Winter Variety Avocados are on their way (Zutano, Bacon, Fuerte - YUM!) here is the answer to the most common question the Avocado Diva hears:

"How do I ripen my avocado?"

Ripening Tips for Avocados:

(1) you CAN refrigerate them (in the crisper is best). Don't do it for too long (no more than a week or 10 days at max). This will extend their life. NOTE: commercially grown fruit is often given a "gassing" to ripen them before they go to the store. It's not harmful, but it will effect the length of time they can stay in a fridge. Whereas if you get them from the Diva or a Farmer's market or your neighbor - they will last longer.

(2) To ripen put on the counter in a cool, warm place (not hot).

(3) To ripen faster - put fruit together (several avos, or add apples/bananas to the bowl). They give off a chemical together that ripens themselves faster.

(4) To ripen FASTEST - put in a thick sided cardboard box or heavy paper bag (double a Trader Joe's bag, for example) - and add a big bunch of YELLOW bananas - fold it closed (staple it) and put in a warm, dry spot (like a sun ray!) The Diva has been able to ripen avocados for dinner that way... (not always -- but sometimes!) At the MOST they will ripen from rock hard to edible in 2 - 3 days.

For more details on the "Avocado Diva's Ripening Experiements" - visit her blog at www.AvocadoDiva.com/blog