5 Tricks To Ripen An Avocado In A Few Minutes

The avocado or avocado is one of the most delicious and healthy fruits that we can incorporate regularly into our diet. If you like to eat it, but sometimes find it green, don’t miss these tricks to ripen an avocado!

Most people visually distinguish between two varieties. However, it is estimated that there are about 400 different types of avocado, as detailed in the publication Cultivos Tropicales. The most popular are the small Hass , which is used in the preparation of guacamole, and the “strong” avocado, which usually accompanies various types of dishes.

Due to its smooth and creamy texture, and its particular flavor, it is part of the gastronomy of many countries. In addition, from a nutritional point of view, avocado provides essential fatty acids, proteins and antioxidant substances.

The main drawback when buying it is that it is difficult to know when it has reached its proper degree of maturity for consumption. In many places they sell them when they still lack a bit of maturation to be at their point.

For this reason, it is good to know about some popular methods that help speed up this process. Although they are tricks that come from popular culture, they seem to be quite useful. Here we share some options.

Ripening an avocado in the microwave

Normal avocado ripening can take several days, depending on how green it has been cut from the plant. However, if you need it soon, you can try this method with the microwave, which, according to belief, will soften it in a matter of minutes.

Keep in mind that this technique can alter its natural flavor a bit. However, it will still be great for making guacamole, salads, smoothies, and other recipes.

Microwave avocado ripening method

• Take a fork and pierce the avocado several times on all sides.
• Put it on a plate with a napkin or a plastic lid to prevent it from exploding when you put it in the microwave.
• Program 30 seconds and, if it has not yet softened enough, add 30 seconds more.
• Wait for it to cool down a bit and cut it as usual.

Ripe an avocado with aluminum foil

With the help of a little aluminum foil, the ripening of the avocado can also be accelerated in just a few minutes. To do this, it is placed on a baking sheet and we will cook it at a temperature of 200 ºC.

Avocado ripening method in aluminum foil

• Take a good amount of aluminum foil and make sure to completely cover the avocado.

• Put it on the tray and put it in the oven for about 10 minutes.
• Wait until it cools completely, remove the paper and proceed to use it.

Ripening an avocado with a paper bag

A kraft or brown paper bag helps us to accelerate the ripening of the avocado by trapping the ethylene gas that it gives off. It is a method that requires more time (and patience), but it contributes to the preservation of the flavor and the properties of the fruit.

Avocado ripening method in paper bag

• Put the avocado inside a paper bag that does not have holes.
• Add a ripe apple or tomato to increase ethylene gas production.
• Close the bag and put it at a temperature between 18ºC and 24ºC.
• In about two days it will be ready for consumption.

How to ripen a cut avocado?

If you cut an avocado that is still green, don’t forget to try this curious trick before the flesh turns brown.

Ripening method with plastic wrap

• Before wrapping it, take some lemon juice and drizzle it over the pulp.
• Gather the cut halves, leave them the bone and wrap them with transparent plastic wrap as if they were a whole avocado.
• Put the avocado covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator until it reaches the desired degree of ripeness.

How to ripen an avocado with newspaper?

Despite being one of the oldest ripening techniques, it is still used in many homes.

Ripening method with newsprint

• Wrap the green avocado in a sheet of newspaper and put it in a warm place. A good place can be, for example, in the oven with the stove off.
• Leave it on for a couple of days or until you notice that it is soft.

Now you know how to speed up the ripening of your avocados when you get them green and want to consume them as soon as possible. Choose a method and follow the instructions step by step to get good results. Did they work for you?