If you're looking to speed up the ripening process of an avocado, consider increasing its exposure to ethylene gas. A practical approach is to store the avocado alongside other ethylene-releasing fruits, or utilize packaging that effectively traps this gas. This technique is particularly useful when you need the fruit to ripen quickly.

Avocado is a highly nutritious fruit celebrated for its substantial levels of heart-healthy unsaturated fats, making it a valuable addition to your diet.

Not only can it enhance salads and various cooked dishes, but it can also be transformed into delicious guacamole, serving as an excellent dip for snacks or a flavorful addition to sandwiches. Its versatility makes it a favorite ingredient across many cuisines.

This article will explore four effective methods for ripening avocados at home while also addressing a common myth surrounding the ripening process.

Understanding the Ripening Process of Avocados

Unlike many other fruits, avocados do not continue to ripen while still attached to the tree; they only undergo this transformation after being harvested. Interestingly, research indicates that avocados can remain on the tree for as long as 12 months without ripening, which is quite remarkable.

As climacteric fruits, avocados are unique in that they emit a significant amount of ethylene gas and experience increased respiration when the ripening phase begins. Other well-known climacteric fruits include bananas, pears, and tomatoes, all of which share this characteristic.

Ethylene serves as the primary hormone that triggers the ripening process in these fruits, playing a crucial role in their development.mWhile the fat content of avocados is established during their growth on the tree, the creamy, buttery texture and rich flavor are developed during the ripening phase.

To optimize their quality during transport, avocado producers often apply a layer of wax to minimize moisture loss, store the fruits in cooler environments, or utilize the ethylene-inhibiting chemical known as 1-methyl cyclopropane (1-MCP). This treatment effectively slows down the ripening process during shipping across the globe. The effects of 1-MCP typically last about 20 days. Once this period concludes, the production of ethylene increases, initiating the ripening process once again.

Effective Techniques for Ripening Avocados

Whether you've harvested your avocado directly from the tree or bought it from a local grocery store, here are four effective methods to accelerate the ripening process of this beloved fruit.

1. Utilize a Brown Paper Bag or Newspaper

Avocados naturally emit ethylene gas, which is crucial for ripening. Studies indicate that by enclosing the fruit in a material rich in ethylene, you can significantly enhance its production, leading to faster ripening.

This means that placing your avocado in a brown paper bag or wrapping it in newspaper can effectively trap ethylene gas, promoting quicker ripening—typically within 3 to 4 days.

However, plastic bags may not yield the same results since they lack the breathability of paper, unless you leave them partially open to allow the avocado to 'breathe.'

2. Keep it in the Pantry or a Warm Environment

Storing avocados in cold conditions, such as a refrigerator, can slow down their ripening process.

Both contemporary and historical research have shown that maintaining avocados at a temperature of around 20? (68?) can significantly shorten their ripening time compared to cooler temperatures of 13? (55?), as higher temperatures promote increased ethylene production.

Generally, pantry temperatures range from 10 to 21? (50 to 70?), making them ideal for keeping avocados warm, especially if they are placed in a breathable bag.

3. Place it Alongside Bananas

Similarly to avocados, bananas are climacteric fruits that emit substantial amounts of ethylene gas.

This ethylene-rich atmosphere not only accelerates the ripening of avocados but also stimulates nearby fruits to produce more ethylene. Thus, keeping avocados next to bananas can hasten their ripening, often within 1 to 2 days in a warm setting.

Remember to check the avocados daily to prevent them from becoming overripe.

4. Wrap After Cutting

In the event that you've sliced an underripe avocado, simply piece the cut halves back together and wrap them securely in cling film before storing them in the refrigerator.

Research suggests that applying a coating of low-density polyethylene wax is the most effective way to minimize moisture loss, although cling wrap can achieve a similar outcome.

Moreover, even cut avocados continue to generate ethylene, allowing them to ripen, albeit at a slower rate due to the refrigeration environment.

To ripen your avocado, consider wrapping it in a brown paper bag or newspaper, storing it in a warm pantry, or placing it next to bananas. Additionally, you can wrap cut, underripe avocados in cling film and keep them chilled in the refrigerator.

Myth Debunked: Heating Avocado Does Not Ripen It

While the technique of heat-shocking half-ripe avocados can be effective in industrial settings to synchronize ripening across batches, this method does not translate well to home kitchens. The scientific evidence supporting the idea that heating avocado will instantly ripen it is lacking. Consequently, despite popular belief, placing an underripe avocado in the microwave or oven may result in a softer texture, but it does not achieve true ripening.

This quick-fix might seem appealing if you're in a pinch to prepare guacamole for a gathering, but it compromises the avocado's rich, creamy consistency and diminishes the availability of its beneficial fats since it remains underripe. In fact, the ideal creamy texture and nutrient profile of a ripe avocado cannot be fully realized through this method.

Therefore, while heating may soften an underripe avocado temporarily, it fails to facilitate the ripening process effectively.

The Bottom Line

Avocado, known as 'makhanphal'  in India, is a climacteric fruit that releases the gaseous hormone ethylene when it's ready to ripen. This unique characteristic makes it fascinating for culinary enthusiasts worldwide.

To accelerate the ripening process of your avocado, consider placing it in a brown paper bag or even wrapping it in newspaper and storing it in a warm environment, such as your pantry or beside ripe bananas. For cut, underripe avocado, you can use cling wrap and refrigerate it to preserve its flavor and texture until it ripens.

Interestingly, contrary to popular belief, heating an underripe avocado in a microwave or oven merely softens it without achieving true ripening, which can alter its taste and texture.