Save this how-to guide so you know how to ripen, cut, store and extend the life of a locally grown and sustainably farmed California Avocado!
How to Ripen Avocados
When selecting California Avocados at the store, think about when you plan to use them. Very firm fruit will typically ripen in about 3–5 days at room temperature. Avocados that are just beginning to soften are usually ready within 2–3 days. The best way to tell if a California Avocado is ripe and ready for immediate use is to gently squeeze the fruit in the palm of your hand. Ripe, ready-to-eat fruit will be firm but will yield to gentle pressure. Planning ahead and choosing the right stage means you’ll always have perfectly ripe California Avocados when you need them.
Need to speed up the ripening process of your California Avocados? We’ve got the trick for you. Place them in a brown paper bag on the countertop with a banana, apple or kiwi and wait for the magic to happen. These fruits produce an ethylene gas that helps naturally ripen avocados! Check them daily—depending on their starting stage, avocados can ripen in as little as 1–2 days using this method.
How to Cut & Peel Avocados
When cutting a California Avocado, be sure to keep the avocado steady on a cutting board. Cut into the avocado and hold the knife horizontally while rotating the avocado until the two halves can be separated. Rotate the avocado ¼ turn and cut lengthwise around the seed to make quartered avocado segments. Separate the quarters and remove the seed. Starting from the tip, nick and carefully peel each segment.
We recommend peeling the avocado to ensure you don’t miss out on any carotenoids – antioxidants which are in highest concentration in the dark green fruit closest to the skin.
How to Store Leftover Avocado
Want to know how to store the other half of your California Avocado? Remove the seed, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the flesh and store face down in an air-tight container. This will help prevent browning from oxidization and keep your locally grown California Avocado tasting fresh!
To store mashed avocados or guacamole, place in an air-tight container and press clear plastic (or reusable) wrap on the surface before covering to help prevent oxidation. Then refrigerate.
Ripe, fresh California Avocados are optimal for taste and texture, but when you find yourself with too many ripe avocados and don’t want them to go to waste, try freezing them for later.
Freezing avocados is easy: simply place whole (uncut) avocados in the freezer. Then thaw when needed and use immediately.
You can also freeze avocados by peeling, removing the seed and cutting into pieces, or mashing to your preferred texture. Stir in a little lemon juice and spoon the avocado into a zip tight, freezer safe bag. You can place multiple bags in a larger freezer bag for extra protection, if desired.
How to Extend the Life of Avocados
Not ready to enjoy your ripe, ethically sourced California Avocado quite yet? Extend its life and keep it fresh for a few extra days by storing it in the crisper drawer of your fridge for up to one week.
For more helpful tips and tricks on how to make the most out California Avocado season, visit our how-to guide.