We've all been there -- standing in the produce aisle of our favorite grocery store, rifling through the bin of avocados trying to find that perfect one. Picking them up and squeezing, acting like we know what we're doing. Hoping no one sees through our facade and realizes we're clueless. We grab one that looks good, that doesn't feel too squishy and head for the checkout. Only to be met with one of our worst fears when we slice it: brown streaks or spots of dark, rotten bruising on the inside.
Hold on! Picking the perfect avocado doesn't have to be sheer luck or coincidence. With these 5 great tips you can look like you know what you're doing in the store, and come home with perfect produce!
1.Color
One of the first things to look at is the color. Although it's not a guarantee, ready to eat avocados will be darker in color. If you are purchasing Haas avocados look for ones that are very dark green to black.
2. Weight
Pick them up, to get a feel for their weight. A good avocado will feel heavy for its size or "weighty" in your hand.
3. No indentations or flat spots
Look at the outer skin of the avocado. Large indentations or flat spots signify bruising. You want fruit that is oval to round in shape without any obvious blemishes. The skin may have some minor imperfections that look like scars from growing in close proximity to other fruits on the tree or rubbing on branches; this isn't a concern as they are only surface marks.
4. Firmness
Do NOT use your fingers/fingertips to test how firm the fruit is! I know, we've probably all been guilty of doing just that. This squeezing can cause subsequent bruising at the pressure points, which is called digitizing in the industry according to Epicurious. Instead, put the avocado in the palm of your hand and squeeze gently to evenly distribute the force. If the avocado yields to firm gentle pressure you know it's ripe and ready-to-eat. If the avocado does not yield to gentle pressure it is considered still “firm” and will be ripe in a couple of days. If the avocado feels mushy or very soft to the touch it may be very ripe to overripe.
5. Sneak a peek under the stem
Once you've found one that you think passes the test, discreetly take a peek at what's inside the fruit. Carefully flick off the dry stem of the avocado. If the flesh exposed underneath is brown, it's rotten inside. If the flesh exposed underneath is the bright yellow-green you're expecting you've picked a winner!
DISCLAIMER: The materials and the information contained on Natural ways channel are provided for general and educational purposes only and do not constitute any legal, medical or other professional advice on any subject matter. None of the information on our videos is a substitute for a diagnosis and treatment by your health professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new diet or treatment and with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provide.
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