How to Ripen Avocados Fast: Simple Tricks and Hacks to Avoid
Discover simple and surprising tricks to ripen avocados quickly using natural ethylene gas from bananas, apples, or tomatoes, and learn which internet hacks to avoid.
Waiting for an avocado to ripen can be a test of patience, especially when the fruit refuses to cooperate with your meal plans. Fortunately, several simple and surprising tricks can accelerate the ripening process using natural ethylene gas.
Proven Ripening Methods
The classic and highly effective method involves placing a hard avocado inside a paper bag alongside a ripe banana. Bananas release ethylene, a natural plant hormone that triggers ripening, while the bag traps the gas around the fruit. According to the California Avocado Commission, you can easily substitute the banana with an apple or a kiwi, as both emit similar ripening agents. Researchers at the University of California, Davis, even recommend adding a few tomatoes to the bag to speed up the process.
What to Avoid
While internet hacks promise instant results, methods like microwaving or baking soften the flesh without actual ripening, ruining the delicate texture and flavor. Storing avocados in rice or flour lacks scientific backing, and refrigeration halts the ripening process entirely, while sealed plastic bags trap unwanted moisture.
