The Fruits That Will Help Ripen Avocados Quicker

Avocados can be a little unpredictable when it comes to ripening. One day they're as hard as a rock, and before you know it, they're past their prime. Thankfully, there are a few clever fruit pairings that can fast-track the ripening process and get your avocados perfectly ripe in no time. The magic happens thanks to the release of ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that triggers ripening.

Something as simple as tossing an avocado in a paper bag with an apple, banana, or kiwi can work wonders. These fruits give off ethylene gas, which nudges the avocado toward ripeness much faster. And if you really want to speed things up, leaving the bag near a sunny window brings a bit of heat into the mix, giving the ripening process an extra boost. It's like giving your avocado a cozy little sunbath.

After a day or two in the bag, it's time to check on your avocado's process. Much like you would when picking the best avocados in the grocery store, give it a gentle squeeze — if it's slightly soft but still holds its shape, you've got a winner. The skin should feel tight and bumpy, holding on to the flesh underneath it. It's all about finding that sweet spot before it tips over to mushy territory.

Once your avocado is perfectly ripe, keeping it fresh can feel like a race against time. As soon as the flesh hits the air, it starts to brown thanks to both oxygen and a little enzyme called polyphenol oxidase. This is the same culprit that turns your sliced apples and pears brown. While it doesn't change the taste, let's face it: no one's rushing to dig into guacamole that's gone from bright green to a sad, brown mess. The good news? Even if it browns a bit, it's still perfectly safe to eat — just not as pretty.

Fortunately, there are a few clever ways to keep your guac looking just as fresh as it tastes — though, spoiler alert, the avocado pit trick isn't one of them. A better plan? Wrap the guac tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to block out the oxygen. For an extra touch, a quick squeeze of lime juice creates a natural barrier that helps lock in that bright green, keeping your dip fresh and colorful. You could even use a very simple trick utilizing water. And just like the fruits that helped ripen your avocado, these tricks ensure you enjoy every bite before it loses its charm.

So, whether your avocado's been hanging out in the communal fruit bowl or getting special treatment in a paper bag, these tricks will help you savor every bite before it's past its prime.