So, how does one go about picking the perfect avocado? It may seem counterintuitive, but the best way to get a perfectly ripe avocado is to buy a hard, unripe one. Avocados are different than most fruits. They begin to ripen only after they’re picked. If you choose an avocado that seems soft and ripe, chances are that it’s been handled quite a bit and is likely bruised. These bitter bruises are often hard to detect especially in the dark-colored Hass-variety.
To reduce the chance of blemishes, buy a firm avocado. Let it ripen undisturbed by placing the avocado in a brown paper bag on your kitchen counter. It will be at peak flavor and texture in about two to five days. If you need it to ripen faster, just place an apple in the bag and the ethylene gas will help it along.
So, how to tell when your avocado is ready? A ripe avocado yields to gentle pressure but is still a bit firm. And, what do you do with an avocado that is ready before you are? Just place it in the fridge where it will keep for a few days.
