To speed ripening, place the avocado(s) in a lightly-closed paper bag with two or three apples or bananas. The ethylene gas naturally released by apples and bananas will speed the ripening of other fruits.

How often have you squeezed an avocado to determine if it’s ripe?

Here’s another option: Try to dislodge the stem nub with your fingernail. If it loosens easily, the avocado is ready to eat.

• If you’re using the avocado for a salad or as garnish, you’ll want it just ripe enough to keep its form when sliced or cubed.
• If you’re making guacamole, avocado dip, sauce or other soft food, you can let it ripen for another day or two.
• If you have too many ripe avocados, stick them in the fridge.

Photo courtesy California Department of Education.