Ever bought ‘ripen at home’ avocados only to realize they’re not ready when you need them for your favorite recipe? Don’t worry, there’s a quick fix! A two-minute microwave hack can reportedly ripen hard avocados, saving them from going to waste.
While this trick is a lifesaver, it’s important to note it only works for avocados that are nearly ripe, not those rock-hard ones.
Here’s how to ripen an avocado in two minutes:
1. Slice the avocado in half and remove the pit.
2. Wrap each half in microwave-safe cling film.
3. Place the avocado in the microwave on high heat for two minutes.
4. Let the avocado cool down.
5. While still wrapped, run the avocado halves under cold water to stop further cooking.
6. Unwrap and enjoy! Use your ripened avocado in sandwiches, salads, guacamole, tacos, or any other recipe you like.
What if your avocado is rock-hard?
Don’t fret! There’s a simple and budget-friendly trick for ripening very hard avocados. All you need is an apple, a paper bag, and some patience (one to 72 hours).
1. Place the avocado in the paper bag with an apple.
2. Poke several holes in the bag with a toothpick or pin.
3. Leave the bag at room temperature.
Apples emit ethylene gas, a natural fruit-ripening hormone. This gas speeds up the ripening process of surrounding fruits, including avocados. The paper bag traps the ethylene, creating a mini-ripening chamber for your avocado.
For those who like to plan ahead,
buying already ripened avocados at the supermarket is the most convenient option. However, remember that these avocados ripen quickly and can turn brown and mushy if not used promptly.Now that you know how to ripen your avocados in a pinch, you can always have the perfect ingredient for your next meal.
