How to tell when your avocados are ripe

Knowing when your avocados are ripe is your secret weapon for creating consistently delicious dishes. How to tell when an avocado is ready to rock and roll? Feel for uniform softness.

Unlike other fruits, avocados don't start to ripen until they are picked from the tree. Once picked, avocados naturally release low levels of plant hormone which initiates the ripening process.

Hass

Hass avocados will change from green to purple as they ripen. How to tell if they’re ripe? Use your thumb to gently press near the stem end - if it gives to gentle pressure, it's ripe!

Shepard

Shepard avocados will always be green, even when ripe. How to tell if they’re ripe? Use your thumb to press near the neck - if it gives to gentle pressure, it's good to go!

If the avocado does not give to gentle pressure and is feeling a little firm, don't worry - give it an extra day or so to ripen. Leaving avocados near other fruit and storing them at room temperature will help speed up the ripening process.

If the avocado gives easily to gently pressure, its ripe or very ripe - a perfect candidate for smashing, spreading and slicing.