According to Bustle, there are several ways to ripen avocados quickly and efficiently. Are you wondering if there are easy ways to ripen avocados? You have come to the right place! Listed below are some ways to ripen avocados:
Using a Brown Paper Bag
If you want an easy and quick way to ripen your avocados, try using a brown paper bag. Avocados ripen or soften after they have been harvested. Place the unripe avocados in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana and wait. It may take up to two to three days for the avocados to ripen, but this method is an efficient and effective way to ripen avocados.
Why choose this method?
When you place apples or bananas in a brown paper bag with avocados the ethylene gases produced by the fruit are trapped. Apples and bananas have the plant hormone ethylene, which helps trigger the ripening process. By combining the fruit with avocados, you are quickening the ripening process.
Tinfoil and Oven Method
With a baking sheet, tinfoil, and your avocados, prepare for the ripening process by setting your oven to 200°F. Wrap the entire avocado in tinfoil and place it on a baking sheet. Place the sheet in the oven for ten minutes or until the avocado is soft. Once your avocado is soft, place it in the fridge and let cool.
Why choose this method?
Similar to the previous method mentioned, this method that uses tinfoil and the oven works due to ethylene gas. Avocados produce ethylene gas and utilizing the oven helps quicken the process. The tinfoil (similar to the brown paper bag) traps the ethylene gas.
Using a Brown Paper Bag and Flour
Give the brown paper bag another try if it did not work out for you. Instead of using apples or bananas, use flour. Place the unripe avocado inside the brown paper bag with about two inches of flour at the bottom of the bag. Let the avocado sit for about two days in a dry area with the bag closed tightly.
Why choose this method?
If you want to see the best results, this method is perfect. The brown paper bag and flour method will give you excellent results with a perfectly ripe avocado. Some people prefer to cover the avocado entirely with flour, but it should be just as effective with the two inches in the bag.
Direct Sunlight
Your avocado will need to stay in direct sunlight for about three to five days to ripen. Places to put the avocado include on your windowsill or on the counter where there is the most sunlight. The sunnier the place means the better.
Why choose this method?
Choose this method if you are looking to get super soft avocados. Although this method takes more time, it is a great way to prepare guacamole. The waiting will be worth it if you want to make some great guacamole.
Refrigerate
Leave your avocado in the refrigerator for two to three days in order to let it ripen. Similar to the other methods, leaving the avocado in the fridge will take some time.
Why choose this method?
Actually, you may not want to choose this method. The other methods are more preferable because they keep the avocado fresh and green. Using the refrigerator method will leave your avocado red on the inside. The reddish tint is from the pit and does not have too much of an impact on taste or texture. In fact, the avocado tastes fine and becomes ripe in the refrigerator. The only side effect is the reddish color inside.
Microwave
The previously mentioned methods are great to try if you want to ripen avocados quickly and effectively. However, using the microwave is not such a good idea. Although it may be tempting to place your unripe avocado in the microwave, you should be wary.
Do not choose this method.
It takes only about 30 to 60 seconds for the avocado to ripen in the microwave. However, quicker does not necessarily mean better. The microwave will leave your avocado steaming and oozing. Not only will your avocado be oozy, but it will also stink and make your microwave smell.
Overall…
Ripening avocados is super easy, but it will take time. With the several methods listed, the best involve waiting. The microwave method, for example, takes seconds, but it is not the best option. Instead, you should try a method that takes more than a day in order to get the best results.
