Finding the perfect avocado during your weekly shop often feels like a daunting task. Most of the time, they are either overly mushy or as hard as a stone. While the bruised, soft options are usually beyond saving, the firmer ones still have plenty of potential. You just need to know the most effective way to help them soften up.
If you are hoping to eat one immediately, there is a shortcut. Chef Mimi Morley has revealed how to save your meal when the fruit is not ready. The chef said: "If you've gone to knock up your tea to realise your avocados are solid, don't worry. There's a 10-minute hack that'll result in a ripe avocado."
Dubbed the 'fake ripening tip', this hack is designed for people in a pinch. You simply boil the kettle, fill a bowl, and then add an avocado that's tightly wrapped in foil, said Morley, chef at HelloFresh. There is one vital instruction to follow before you start the soaking process. You must pierce the skin with a blade before wrapping it tightly to keep the water out.
In less than 10 minutes, that firm fruit will become soft enough for your favourite recipes. It will be easy to mash onto toast or slice into a fresh salad.
Five Clever Avocado Gadgets
Finding the right equipment for your kitchen can make healthy eating feel much more like a treat than a chore. These selected items are highly rated and perfect for anyone looking to simplify meal preparation.
- Top Rated: OXO Good Grips 3-in-1 Avocado Slicer - This all-in-one tool allows people to split, pit, and slice their fruit safely and efficiently. The plastic blade easily cuts through the skin without being sharp to the touch, making it a family-friendly choice. Price: £17.83
- Expert Choice: Joseph Joseph GoAvocado 3-in-1 Tool - Known for its clever design, this gadget includes a stainless steel pitter that removes the stone with a simple twist. It also features a useful slicer that creates uniform pieces for a professional look on the plate. Price: £7.25
- Five-in-One: KitchenCraft 5-in-1 Avocado Tool - This stainless steel gadget is a true workhorse because it allows people to slice, cut, de-stone, mash, and scoop. Using just one piece of equipment reduces your washing-up and speeds up the whole process. Price: £13.99
- Freshness First: Joie Avocado Fresh Pod - This bright and fun storage container is designed to keep your leftover halves fresh and firm for longer. Reducing air exposure prevents the fruit from turning brown, which helps people save money and reduce food waste. Price: £15.36
- Eco Friendly: Food Huggers Silicone Avocado Savers - These eco-friendly silicone covers come in two sizes to fit different fruits and create a tight, vacuum-like seal. They are a fantastic alternative to single-use plastics and are very easy to clean in the dishwasher. Price: £13.99
Prices correct at time of publication.
"This hack is ideal if you need a 'ripe' avocado straight away. But if you're not, it's not recommended," said Morley. Once the fruit has cooled, the consistency might feel slightly chewy, and the taste less creamy than usual. If you are not in a rush, try keeping it in a paper bag with an apple instead.
"If you can wait a day or two, popping your avocado in a bag with a fruit that releases ethylene really speeds up the ripening. It also doesn't impact the texture or flavour, as it's an all-natural technique."
When picking avocados at the supermarket, look for clues that they're approaching ripeness, such as a dark green or almost black appearance, a green stub beneath the stem and a gently yielding texture when pressed.
