How to Make Avocados Ripen Faster: Tips and Tricks

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the frustration of buying unripe avocados at the grocery store, only to wait days or even a week for them to ripen. Luckily, there are several ways to accelerate the ripening process and get your avocados ready to eat sooner. In this article, we’ll share our top tips for making avocados ripen faster so you can enjoy your favorite recipes without the wait.

Using paper bags to speed up the ripening process

One of the easiest and most effective ways to ripen avocados faster is to place them in a paper bag. This method works because avocados release ethylene gas, which is a natural plant hormone that promotes ripening. By trapping this gas around the avocado, paper bags can help speed up the process.

Here’s how to ripen avocados with paper bags:

1. Select a brown paper bag that is clean and free of any holes or tears.
2. Place the unripe avocados in the bag.
3. Roll the top of the bag closed to trap the ethylene gas around the avocados.
4. Store the bag at room temperature and check on the avocados daily.

It may take anywhere from 24 hours to several days for the avocados to ripen using this method, so be patient and keep an eye on them. Additionally, be mindful of any potential hazards associated with paper bags, such as fire risk or suffocation if used improperly.

Storing avocados with fruits that release ethylene gas, such as bananas or apples

Another effective way to ripen avocados faster is to store them with fruits that naturally release ethylene gas. By doing so, you can increase the concentration of ethylene gas around the avocado and speed up the ripening process. Some fruits that release ethylene gas include:

• Bananas
• Apples
• Mangoes
• Kiwi
• Tomatoes
• Pears

To ripen avocados with these fruits, place the unripe avocados in a brown paper bag along with one or two of the ethylene-releasing fruits. Roll the top of the paper bag closed and store it in a warm spot in your kitchen. Check on the avocados daily.

It typically takes one to three days for avocados to ripen using this method. Be sure to avoid overcrowding the bag with too many fruits, as this can lead to bruising and spoilage. Additionally, keep in mind that some fruits may not ripen at the same rate, so check each fruit daily to avoid overripe or spoiled produce.

Placing unripe avocados in a warm spot in your kitchen

Avocados ripen faster in warm temperatures, so another way to accelerate the process is to place them in a warm spot in your kitchen. This could be on a sunny windowsill or near a heat source like your oven or stovetop.

To ripen avocados with warmth:

1. Choose a warm spot in your kitchen away from cold drafts or direct sunlight.
2. Place the unripe avocados in the warm spot.
3. Leave the avocados for 24-48 hours, checking on them periodically.

Be careful not to overexpose the avocados to warmth, as this can cause them to ripen too quickly and become overripe or spoiled. Keep them away from any heat sources that may be too intense, and don’t leave them in a warm spot for too long.

Wrapping avocados tightly in plastic wrap while storing them

One lesser-known trick for ripening avocados faster is to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap while storing them. The plastic wrap can trap the ethylene gas around the avocado and speed up the ripening process.

To ripen avocados with plastic wrap:

1. Select a clean piece of plastic wrap that is large enough to wrap around the entire avocado.
2. Wrap the avocado tightly in the plastic wrap.
3. Store the wrapped avocado in a brown paper bag and leave it at room temperature.
4. Check on the avocado daily.

It typically takes 24-48 hours for avocados to ripen using this method. However, be careful not to leave the avocado wrapped in plastic wrap for too long, as this can cause the skin to discolor or the fruit to become overripe.

Burying avocados in rice or putting them in a rice-filled container

Another unusual method for ripening avocados is to bury them in rice or place them in a container filled with rice. Rice generates a small amount of ethylene gas and can help ripen avocados faster.

To ripen avocados with rice:

1. Select a clean container large enough to hold the unripe avocados.
2. Fully cover the avocados with raw rice or place them in a container filled with raw rice.
3. Leave the avocados buried or in the rice-filled container for 24-48 hours.

Be aware that this method may not work as well or as quickly as other methods, and be cautious of any health or safety concerns associated with leaving food buried in raw rice.

Putting avocados in direct sunlight to accelerate ripening

Finally, exposing avocados to direct sunlight can also help speed up the ripening process. This is because sunlight generates heat and warmth, which can accelerate the ripening process. However, it’s important to be mindful of the potential downsides and safety concerns when using this method.

To ripen avocados with sunlight:

1. Choose a dry, sunny spot outside or near a window with direct sunlight.
2. Place the unripe avocados in a bowl or other container and set them in direct sunlight.
3. Leave the avocados in the sunlight for 1-2 hours, checking on them periodically.

Be careful not to leave the avocados in direct sunlight for too long, as this can lead to overripe or spoiled produce. Additionally, be cautious of any health or safety risks associated with exposing food to direct sunlight, such as potential contamination or discoloration.

Conclusion

There are several ways to accelerate the ripening process of avocados, from paper bags to warmth to rice and sunlight. Experiment with different methods to find what works best for you, and be patient as you wait for your avocados to ripen. By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite avocado recipes sooner and with less waiting.