Check the Stem
Pop off the small stem at the top. If it comes off easily and is green underneath, it's ripe. Brown underneath means overripe.
Look for bright green under the stem
Don't buy if brown or black under stem
Choosing Perfect Avocados
Learn the expert techniques to select perfectly ripe avocados every time. Never buy an unripe or overripe avocado again!
Three Key Tests
Feel the Texture
Gently squeeze without pressing too hard. A ripe avocado yields to gentle pressure but doesn't feel mushy.
Use the palm of your hand, not fingertips
Don't squeeze with fingertips (causes bruising)
Examine the Skin
For Hass avocados, look for a darker color. The skin should be uniform without major sunken spots or cracks.
Choose evenly colored fruit
Avoid avocados with dark sunken spots
Ripeness Guide
Ripeness
Color
Feel
Ready In
Best For
Unripe (Hard)
Bright green
Very firm, doesn't yield
4-5 days
Buy ahead for later use
Nearly Ripe
Darker green
Yields slightly to pressure
1-2 days
Planning ahead
Ripe (Perfect)
Dark green to purple-black
Yields to gentle pressure
Ready now
Eating today or tomorrow
Overripe
Very dark, almost black
Very soft, may feel mushy
Past prime
Smoothies or baking only