Avocados are a very useful fruit to have in your home. They can be used to make guacamole, put on toast, mix into salads, or blend into smoothies. They are full of healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. If your roommate leaves avocados on the counter for a long time, you may wonder how long they are safe to eat. This can depend on how ripe the avocado is, how warm it is in your house, and how they are stored. Here’s what you should know to safely enjoy avocados and cut down on food waste.
Avocados don’t ripen while still on the tree; they start to ripen only after being picked. This is because they give off ethylene gas, which is a natural hormone that helps them ripen. As avocados ripen, their flesh becomes softer, the flavor gets better, healthy oils form, and their skin may change color based on the type. Warmer temperatures can make avocados ripen faster, while cooler temperatures slow it down.
How you store an avocado depends on its ripeness. For unripe avocados, keeping them on the counter is best. They will usually ripen in about 3 to 7 days at room temperature, depending on how firm they were when you bought them. What do you think about keeping ripe avocados on the counter?
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Source: Kitchen, by recipes