Step 1: Observe the Color Avocados come in various shades, ranging from bright green to deep, dark green, almost black. Generally, as avocados ripen, their color deepens. Start by looking for avocados that have turned a darker shade. Keep in mind, though, that color alone isn’t always the definitive test for ripeness, but it’s a good starting point.
Step 2: Check the Firmness The best way to judge an avocado’s ripeness is by how it feels in your hand. Give the avocado a gentle squeeze with the palm of your hand (avoid using your fingertips as this can bruise the fruit). If the avocado yields to firm, gentle pressure, it’s ripe and ready to eat. If it feels hard, it will need a few more days to ripen. Conversely, if it feels too soft or mushy, it might be overripe.
Step 3: Look at the Skin Texture Examine the skin of the avocado. It should feel slightly bumpy. This texture is typical for the Hass variety, which is common in many stores. An avocado with very smooth skin might not be ripe yet, while one with excessively wrinkled skin might be past its prime.
