Avocados, unlike citrus fruits, do not ripen while on the tree. They mature while still on the tree, but to become soft and edible, they need to be picked and left to ripen off the stem for a few days.
When and How to Harvest Avocados
To harvest, cut the stem as close to the fruit as possible, without damaging the fruit. Avoid pulling avocados off the tree as that can cause injury to the fruit and allow rot to set in. Also, it's best to avoid harvesting during rain because rain can spread pathogens to the fruit, causing discoloration and decay.
On our website, you'll find the estimated maturity times for different avocado varieties. Keep in mind, the exact timing can vary depending on your climate, the specific weather during the growing season, and other factors.
As the estimated maturity season gets closer, try picking a few of the larger, more mature-looking fruits and let them ripen. This will help you gauge when to pick the rest.
For varieties with purple or black skin, the fruit is typically ready when it begins changing from green to dark. Varieties that stay green at maturity will transition from a bright green to a duller, more gray-green color, sometimes with tiny brown specks on the skin.
When Your Avocado Is Ready to Eat
The time it takes for avocados to ripen after harvesting depends on the variety, maturity level, and temperature. They generally ripen at room temperature in a reasonable time, achieving a smooth consistency without rubbery spots or a bitter, grassy taste.
To check if an avocado is ripe, gently squeeze it in your palm. If it yields slightly to the pressure but doesn’t feel rubbery, it's ripe. The best way to test is with your thumb, but be careful not to press too hard and bruise the fruit. With time, this will become second nature. Remember, it’s the feel, not the color, that tells you when it's ripe.
Storing and Enjoying Your Homegrown Avocados
Once you know your avocados are mature and ready to eat, you can pick them as needed.
For best post harvest storage, UC researchers suggest keeping ripe avocados at 41° to 46°F in the fridge for no longer than 1–2 weeks. If you pick them fresh but they’re not yet ripe, don’t refrigerate them right away, as they may not soften properly. Half-ripe fruit can be refrigerated for up to 3 weeks, and should ripen just fine.
To speed up the ripening process, try placing avocados in a paper bag with a banana or an apple. It’ll take 2–5 days for them to soften this way.
Thanks to the long on-tree storage time for many varieties, you can enjoy fresh avocados straight from your backyard all year long!
Grow your own avocados and treat yourself to high-quality fruit whenever you want!
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