How to Pick Avocados At The Store

Author: Maddie J.

High in fiber, a good source lutein, folic acid, potassium, and rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, avocados are as beneficial for the health as they are delicious. Whether mashed to make classic guacamole or sliced for sandwiches and salads, avocados taste best when picked at the height of ripeness.

• Avocados are typically shipped to stores in an unripe state. Unripe avocados can be bought and stored on the countertop until they are ready to eat or can be placed in a paper bag with an apple to speed up the ripening process. It’s sometimes possible to find ripe avocados at the store as well. A good avocado feels heavy in the hand.
• A ripe avocado will yield slightly to pressure. If the pressure leaves a deep indentation, it may be overripe. If the avocado has a stem attached, the stem will fall off easily and will be green underneath when it’s ripe.
• Once the skin is peeled away, avocados quickly begin to turn brown. They can be sprinkled with lime or lemon juice or placed in a bowl of ice water for up to an hour to slow discoloration. Imperfect avocados can still lend their unique flavor to many recipes, but for the most attractive presentation, using an avocado when it’s at it full peak of ripeness is best.

While there are many varieties of avocados, they all fall into two general categories: smooth-skinned and rough-skinned. Rough-skinned Hass avocados account for around 90 percent of the market. Hass avocados have a buttery flavor and texture that most people prefer over the smooth-skinned varieties, which have a less distinctive, blander taste. Hass avocados turn from green to deep purple as they ripen. Smooth-skinned varieties keep their green color.

About The Author Of How To Pick Avocodao

Maddie J. is a mom and coupon clipper who loves to make guacamole for her hungry teens. She loves to help people with everyday advice from tips for a safe and successful road trip to shopping for groceries.

Looking For More Articles On How To Pick Fruits & Vegetables

Wondering how to pick out other fruits and vegetables check our weekly series or suggest a fruit/vegetable. Ask your local produce manager what to look for when picking fruits and vegetables. Most of them are more than knowledgeable about what to look for AND most will give you a sample if you ask. The stores would rather you give you a sample and make sure you are happy with your purchase than lose a customer or have to replace produce that was less than perfect.