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How Long Do Avocados Take to Ripen?
How Long Do Avocados Take to Ripen?. Although they are grown on trees, avocados are a type of fruit that will not ripen while still attached. Once they are picked, the ripening process will begin. As a result, the avocados that are available at your favorite store or marketplace may or may not be ripe and ready to eat. In the event that there are...
Although they are grown on trees, avocados are a type of fruit that will not ripen while still attached. Once they are picked, the ripening process will begin. As a result, the avocados that are available at your favorite store or marketplace may or may not be ripe and ready to eat. In the event that there are no ripe fruits available, you should know how long it will take for avocados to ripen and how to help speed up the process when time is limited.
On the Countertop
Avocados that are left out on your kitchen counter can take one week to ripen. They should be kept at a temperature of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, or room temperature. As the fruit is undergoing the ripening process on your counter, set it in a location that is away from directly sunlight. Check for ripeness after seven days by applying gentle pressure. If the fruit gives slightly with pressure, it is ready, but if it still feels hard, place it back in the bag and recheck after one to two days.
In a Brown Bag
When placed in a brown bag, avocados will take approximately two to five days to ripen. For this method, put the avocado in a clean, brown paper bag and fold over the top to close. Leave the bag on your counter or in another location that is room temperature. Check for ripeness after two days by applying gentle pressure with your fingers.
In a Brown Bag with an Apple or Banana
Unripe avocados will ripen faster when placed in a brown bag with either a banana or an apple. This method will cause the fruit to ripen within two to three days. The addition of a banana or apple hastens the ripening process because the additional fruit produces ethylene gases. When closed up in the bag, the gases are trapped and will cause the avocado to ripen quickly. The bag with the avocado and the apple or banana should remain in a location that is room temperature.
Microwave
In a situation where an avocado is needed immediately, but you are unable to find a ripe one, it can be ripened within three minutes using the microwave, according to the University of Illinois Extension. To quickly ripen the avocado using this method, microwave it on 50-percent power for approximately two minutes. Turn it and proceed to microwave it one minute at 50-percent power. Care should be taken when using this method to avoid cooking the fruit.
