02/09/2025
Avocados are quite unique in the fruit world because they don’t ripen while still on the tree. While attached to the tree, avocados remain hard and underripe, even if they’ve reached full size.
Ripening only begins once they are harvested, triggered by the natural release of ethylene gas, which softens the fruit and develops its flavour. This slow, off-the-tree ripening process is actually a big advantage for farmers, allowing them to leave avocados on the tree longer without them spoiling, and harvest in stages based on demand.
It also means the avocados you buy at the store were likely picked unripe and will need a few days at room temperature to soften.
You can even speed up the ripening by placing them in a paper bag with a banana or apple, both of which emit ethylene.
