6 Simple Methods Californians Use to Find the Best Avocados

Did you know that Americans eat over 3 billion pounds of avocados each year? That represents a more than seven-pound increase in avocado consumption per person between 2001 and 2022.

Whether you’re making guacamole, adding them to toast, or just eating them plain, one thing is for sure: Avocados are in style. But picking a perfect avocado at the grocery store isn’t always easy.

Here are six simple ways to know when the avocado you want to buy at your California grocery store is ready to eat.

1. Look at the Color

A ripe avocado often changes color. When you walk down the grocery store aisle, you might notice that many avocados have a darker, almost black skin when they’re ready to eat.

This color change is a great first sign that the fruit is ripe. A lighter, greener color usually means the avocado is still too hard and needs a few more days to soften up.

Another tip is to compare several avocados at once. When you see one that is much darker than the rest, it’s likely riper.

Keep in mind that some avocado varieties naturally have a darker color, so it helps to be familiar with the type you usually buy.

2. Squeeze Gently

When you hold an avocado in your hand, give it a gentle squeeze. A ripe avocado will yield a bit under pressure without feeling mushy. This gentle squeeze test is a simple trick that many avocado pros use.

If the avocado you squeeze feels rock hard, you’ll need to wait at least a few days for it to ripen at home.

It’s important to use just a little pressure with your fingers; you don’t want to bruise the avocado by squeezing too hard.

A soft, slightly yielding feel is a good sign that the avocado is ready to be downed.

3. Check the Stem

Peeking under the little stem at the top of an avocado can tell you a lot. If the stem comes off easily and you see a green color underneath, the avocado is usually ripe.

This method is a handy trick that you can do right at the store. It’s like a secret signal that your avocado is good to go!

If the stem is hard to remove or if you see brown underneath, the avocado might be too green or starting to spoil, respectively.

You can thank us later for saving you from a brown, mushy mess.

4. Feel the Texture

A good avocado should feel firm yet a bit soft. When you run your fingers along the skin, you might notice a slightly bumpy texture on some varieties. This texture can help you judge whether the fruit is ripe.

Ripe avocados often have a consistent texture that’s not too rough or too soft.

Don’t be shy—the next time you’re at the grocery store, take a moment to feel the surfaces of several avocados and see what you discover.

5. Avoid Bruises

Inspect your avocado carefully for any bruises or dark spots on the skin.

Bruises can indicate that the avocado was handled roughly, which might mean the fruit inside is damaged or overripe.

Even if the color seems right and the fruit feels like a good amount of soft, a few bad spots might spoil your experience.

Looking for smooth, unblemished skin can lead you to a better avocado. Many grocery stores take good care of their fruit, but it never hurts to give your avocados a quick once-over.

A tiny bruise might not mean the whole avocado is bad, but choosing one without them can give you a fresher, tastier experience.

6. Consider the Weight

Weight can be another clue to picking a perfect avocado. When you hold a ripe avocado, it should feel a little heavier than it looks.

The extra weight is often a sign that the fruit is full of healthy, creamy flesh.

Comparing a couple of avocados by their weight can be a neat trick. If one feels lighter, it might have less fruit inside or may be drying out.

So, next time you’re shopping, pick up a few avocados and start practicing this little-known piece of advice.

Ask a Store Expert

Sometimes, the best advice comes from the people who work at the grocery store. If you’re not sure which avocado to pick, don’t be shy about asking an employee.

They often have lots of experience and can point you to the ripest options available.