How to choose the right avocado? - all signs of a ripe fruit

Avocado is the fruit of a tree that belongs to the laurel family. The typical climate is subtropical and tropical. It has long been a part of everyday routine and is included in many recipes. Due to its unique properties and vitamins, it is highly valued in all countries, but choosing the right and ripe fruit is not so easy. There are many factors to consider when purchasing. Let's figure out how to choose an avocado in the store, what to look for when buying, and what the fruit is needed for.

What varieties are there?

Avocado is an evergreen exotic fruit that has been the subject of controversy for many years because many cannot understand whether it is a berry, a fruit or a vegetable. So, now we have agreed that avocado is a fruit. There are several varieties of the plant, and before choosing a delicious avocado in the store, you need to understand which type you need.

Ettinger

It has the shape of a pear with an easily released large pit and soft, melt-in-your-mouth pulp. Ettinger is rightfully considered one of the most delicious avocado varieties, but over time the taste fades and becomes potato-like. In Israel, from where avocados of this variety are exported to Ukraine, Ettinger is the first variety of the season: it ripens by early autumn.

Pinkerton

Avocados of this type can be winter or summer - it all depends on the ripening period. Summer fruits are considered the best: they have high fat content and amazing taste. Winter ones, in turn, are watery and low in fat. All of them are united by the pear-shaped elongated shape of the fruit with a small stone. The peel is thick and pimply. The color of the pulp can be of different shades: white, yellow or green. As it ripens, the skin openly darkens. The weight of the fruit can reach 500 g. This species is relatively new - it has been grown since the 1970s. The trees of this variety are very powerful, spreading, and have high yields.

Haas

This avocado variety, most often grown in California, is one of the most common, especially among those brought to Ukraine. This is most likely due to the fact that it ripens throughout the year. This species has a dense, pimply skin; by the end of ripening it becomes dark purple or almost black in color. The variety is well stored and tolerates transportation well. Haas has a high fat content and a delicate nutty taste.

Fuerte

This species has been known since 1911. It is a hybrid between Mexican and Guatemalan fruits. The shape is most often pear-shaped, the bone is small in size and looks like a droplet. The size is medium, the weight of the fetus is about 0.4 kg. The skin is thin, smooth and easily separated from the pulp. The color is typically green, there is no pronounced shade. The color does not change during ripening. The fruit has fatty light pulp. The variety has a unique taste that resembles sour cream or cream.

Bacon

This variety is considered one of the fattest, due to its Mexican origin. Avocados are small in size, have medium-sized pits and thin skin. The seed can be used to grow a new wild avocado, or in some cases it can be cooked and eaten. The smooth skin practically does not change its green color during ripening. The fruit is oval in shape, average weight is 200-450 g. The consistency of the pulp is oily with some fibrousness, and the oil content is 18-20%. When the flesh is soft and the green color of the skin has become a little darker, you can open and eat the avocado.

Gwen

This species has a rounded and slightly elongated shape. The weight of the fruit can reach 450 g. The peel has a dark green tint, with small tubercles on its surface. The pulp has a delicate taste, vaguely reminiscent of egg. Avocados have a dense, pimply, green skin that is difficult to peel away from the pulp, and a small round pit. The fruits ripen in autumn and winter. The trees grow small in size, but are very sensitive to cold.

Reed

The shape of this fruit is quite unusual - it is spherical - the main feature of this variety is how to choose a good avocado. Avocados can reach quite large sizes, weighing up to 400-550 g. Avocados belong to the Guatemalan variety, so they do not tolerate low temperatures. The skin of the product is thick and does not change during ripening (always green). The bone is also round in shape and medium in size. The shade of the pulp is slightly yellow. The taste of the “Reed” type is reminiscent of nutty and sinful at the same time.

Zutano

It is an excellent variety of the Guatemalan variety. It has been grown since the 1920s. Supplies to Ukraine are made mainly from South Africa and Israel. The variety is considered a summer variety in terms of ripening, but due to the fact that it is also grown in the Southern Hemisphere, these avocados can be found on sale throughout the year. It is believed that this species is one of the few varieties that have high taste and good fat content.

how to choose a ripe avocado

Types of avocados in the store

How do you know if an avocado is ripe? First you need to determine the variety of the strange fruit.

The store's assortment offers two common types of avocados:

fuerte - oval shape, rich green peel, light, almost white flesh, taste of grass and greenery, not suitable for home ripening, seasonality - on sale in summer and autumn.
Hass - round fruit, dark skin, yellowish flesh, earthy or nutty flavor, suitable for ripening, seasonal - year-round.

In order not to miscalculate how to choose a ripe and tasty avocado in the store, give preference to the Hass variety. Fuerte, unlike its brother, is characterized by a herbaceous and earthy taste; it is more unstable in ripening and, when externally ripe, turns out to be overripe inside. Private companies offer a selection of different varieties imported from countries of origin, allowing you to choose a fruit according to your taste, preferences, goals and soul.

Main signs of a ripe avocado

How to choose the right avocado in the store, ripe and beneficial properties

A ripe avocado is a storehouse of beneficial properties. It contains vitamins A, B2, B3, B5, B6, C, E, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Copper and other minerals necessary for the body. Main properties of avocado:

Improving brain function, developing memory, reducing the risk of diseases of the cardiovascular system - thanks to polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Improving the functioning of the main heart muscle, regulating salt balance and increasing susceptibility to stressful situations - thanks to minerals.
Reducing the risk of developing anemia - thanks to copper.
Stimulation of red blood cell production - thanks to riboflavin.
Reducing the level of bad cholesterol and protecting against blockage of blood vessels - thanks to oleic acid.

This is not a complete list. The rich and balanced microelement composition of avocado helps eliminate constipation and regulate the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The product is often found in various diets, as it helps restore and improve metabolism.

However, you cannot overdo it with eating the fruit, because it has a high calorie content. In addition, it is important to know the contraindications: you should not eat avocados if you have individual intolerances or allergies. But how to choose a ripe avocado in the store?

Avocado: how to choose a ripe fruit by shade

Before choosing an avocado in the supermarket, you need to carefully look at the color: a light green color indicates the unripe state of the fruit, the taste of such a product is not pronounced, sometimes bitter. The most optimal and correct color is considered to be a rich dark green without any shades. If the peel is brown or there are dark spots on it, it is overripe and the taste is not suitable for consumption.

How to choose a delicious avocado: softness

To determine the ripeness of an avocado, you can try pressing on the peel. If there are small indentations that smooth out, then the avocado is ripe. If deep indentations remain, the avocado is overripe and should be put back on the counter. .

How to choose the right avocado in the store: cuttings

When choosing an avocado, you must not forget about the stalk. The skin under the cuttings should have a light yellow tint. If the color is brown, it is better to put the fruit in place and look for a more suitable one.

Is it possible to eat an unripe avocado?

According to a publication in the journal MITMedical, the unripe fruit contains the fatty acid persin, which can have harmful effects on people with allergies, as well as pets and birds.

In other words, if you don’t have pets and don’t suffer from allergies, you can eat it (although the taste won’t be great).

Options for using unripe avocados

1. Chips - a hard fruit is perfect: it can be cut into plastic pieces and fried in oil, or baked.

2. It can be marinated and it will acquire a delicate texture and a rich range of flavors.

3. Seasoning - grate it and add it to salad, soup or porridge.

What to do with the unripe?

Avocados are mostly sold firm in stores - convenient for transportation and have a long shelf life. The average ripening time for a good avocado in season is 3 days. You need to plan dishes with it in advance and buy several pieces at once.

Microwave

With this method, the fruit can become soft within a few minutes. However, it can change the taste of the avocado - you can cook dishes, but it’s better not to eat it in its pure form. So, the algorithm:

Take a fork and pierce the avocado in several places from different sides.
Place it on a plate and cover with a napkin (or plastic lid) to prevent the avocado from exploding.
Select a program for 30 seconds. After the time has passed, feel the avocado; if it is still hard, leave for another 30 seconds.
Let the avocado cool.
Now you can use the fruit for the desired purposes.

With aluminum foil

Another quick way is to use a microwave, but you will need to set the avocado at 200 degrees. Algorithm:

Wrap the avocado in foil (it is important not to waste too much and cover it completely).
Place it on a tray or plate for about 10-12 minutes.
Remove the avocado and wait until it cools down.
Remove the foil and start cooking.

Using a paper bag

A kraft paper or brown paper bag can speed up the ripening of avocados by trapping ethylene gas. This method will take longer than the previous ones, but preserves the aroma and taste of the fruit. Algorithm:

Place the fruit in a bag prepared in advance (you need to check for holes).
Adding an apple or tomato to an avocado will increase ethylene production.
Close the bag and store it at a temperature of 18-24 degrees Celsius.
After two days, you can pull out the avocado and start cooking.

If it's already cut

This method is suitable if the pulp has not yet acquired a brown color. You can help the fruit ripen using cling film; for this you need:

Before you start, you need to sprinkle a small amount of lemon juice on the pulp.
Combine the cut parts of the avocado with the seeds and wrap it all in cling film.
Place the mixture in the refrigerator and keep it there, gradually checking the readiness of the fruit.

Using a newspaper

This is the most famous method, which involves wrapping an unripe avocado in a sheet of newspaper and placing it in a warm place. After 2-3 days you can get the fruit.

Inspecting the place of attachment of the stalk

Such a small detail as a stalk will indicate the quality of the fruit. To do this, you should carefully remove it and look at the trace underneath it. The color will indicate whether the fruit is good or bad. For example, yellow or light brown indicates that it is a ripe fruit of good quality. You can safely take it.

An overripe fruit will have a dark green hue, while an under-ripe fruit will have a light green hue. Also a very important aspect will be mold; it is definitely not worth buying or consuming.

How to properly peel an avocado

Spoon

how to peel an avocado

To cook or eat avocados, be sure to peel and remove the pit. Before you begin, you need to thoroughly rinse the avocado under water and pat dry with a paper towel. Then carefully cut the flesh around the pit with a knife and roll the two halves against each other. Now the pit is removed to make it easier to trim. Use the tip of a spoon to press into the area between the skin and the soft part. Now is the time to separate the skin from the pulp. The spoon is smoothly pushed deep into the fruit, after which you need to smoothly circle the half, pry out the pulp and remove it.

Useful properties of avocado

Vegetable fats help in the absorption of minerals and vitamins;
Fiber is a component that helps the digestive system function. Fiber helps cleanse the body;
Vitamin E is essential for healthy hair and skin. Avocado can be added to hair masks. With frequent use, the hair will become stronger;
Vitamin “C” has a positive effect on the overall functioning of the body;
Copper - improves protein metabolism and will help in building muscle mass;
Avocado is one of the most potassium-rich foods. Adequate potassium reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke;
Vitamin K removes toxins from the body.

Applications of avocado

The fruit has found application in many areas of life, regardless of the age and gender of a person.

Suitable for weight loss and proper nutrition. The fruit contains fats that speed up metabolism and help burn fat cells.
Used in skin care.
Avocado has a positive effect on the immune system, which makes it useful during pregnancy. Folic acid in the product will protect the child from diseases of the nervous system.
The fruit is rich in antioxidants, which allows it to protect blood vessels.
Eating avocado will be an excellent prevention of cancer.
Avocado is a powerful aphrodisiac. Eating it will prevent male impotence.
The oil is widely used in medicine and cosmetology. The product has a positive effect on hormonal levels, helps cleanse the body and is used in the healing of burns.

How to cut

Avocado: how to eat it, how to choose a cutting method

After the pit has been removed and the peel removed, you can proceed to cutting the fruit pulp. It depends on the dish in which the fruit will be used. For salads, avocados are most often cut into cubes. The convenience of this method is that you do not need to peel the avocado. Slicing algorithm:

Divide the fruit into two parts without removing the peel and make 4 deep cuts, but do not touch the skin.
Horizontal lines need to be drawn perpendicular to the overcuts. Now you need to separate the pulp (preferably with a spoon) and pry the pulp near the very base.

For sushi, you need to use avocados in the form of straws or plates. For the convenience of future slicing, you need to divide it into several identical parts (first along a vertical line) and get rid of the pit. Then each of the resulting halves is cut in half. In the process of obtaining straws or plates, the components must be lubricated or sprinkled with lemon juice. This is done so that the pulp does not darken and lose its appetizing appearance. You need to remove the skin from the resulting parts and start cutting into thin slices. The algorithm for making sandwiches is identical.

If the product is consumed as an independent dish, it is not necessary to peel the skin and cut it into pieces. The fruit is divided into two halves and the seed is carefully removed. Then you can eat the pulp with a spoon.

How to store avocados

Avocado: how to select and store

While it is clear how to choose an avocado when purchasing, an important part is proper storage. Ripe avocados should be stored at a temperature of 5-6 degrees Celsius. Under normal conditions, whole fruits remain fresh for 10 to 14 days. Depending on the degree of ripeness, storage time may vary slightly.

If the avocado is not yet ripe, it should be stored at a temperature of 18-24 degrees Celsius. After the avocado has ripened (about a week), it can be stored for no more than two days in the same environment - then transported to a cold place. Unripe cut avocados cannot be stored without refrigeration - they will begin to spoil very soon.

Sliced avocado

The main goal here is to prevent the pulp from oxidizing when exposed to air. This is an irreversible process that starts when the integrity of the fruit is violated: the flesh will begin to darken and turn brown. To avoid this, there are several simple methods.

The most popular method is to sprinkle fresh lemon or lime juice on the avocado. Apple or wine vinegar are also suitable for these purposes. You can also coat all exposed parts of the fruit with a thin layer of olive oil. This will create a sealed barrier that prevents oxidation. In both cases, the avocado needs to be placed in a plastic container and put in the refrigerator.

If both of the above methods do not work, you can place chopped onions on the bottom of the container and put avocado on top. It is better to leave the half with the pit and place the container in the refrigerator in the fruit compartment or to the back wall, where the temperature is usually lower.

What to cook with avocado

Sandwiches

Avocado sandwiches are a healthy and delicious snack. It can be prepared very quickly and easily. Avocado toast looks great on a holiday table. Required components:

1 avocado;
2 cloves of garlic;
1 tbsp. lemon juice;
black bread;
salt;
parsley.

First you need to dry the slices of bread in the oven (or use a dry frying pan). Prepare a mixture of avocado pulp, garlic, finely chopped parsley, salt and lemon juice in a blender. As a result, you will get some kind of puree, you need to spread it on bread. That's all, the sandwiches are ready.

Guacamole

This is a popular sauce whose homeland is considered to be Mexico. To prepare you will need:

half a bunch of fresh cilantro;
2 cloves of garlic;
half tsp salt;
1 tomato;
half an onion;
5 pieces. avocado;
3 tbsp. lemon juice.

Cooking algorithm:

Peel the onion, then finely chop it and pass through a press. Mix the resulting mixture with salt.
Tomato, cilantro and onion are finely chopped and set aside for a while.
Wash the avocado, cut it in half and remove the pit and skin.
Mash the resulting pulp and add the mixture of point 2 to it.
Everything is ready, you can serve it to the table. If desired, you can add mint - it will add piquancy to the sauce.

Egg salad

Salad is an integral part of any feast, so why not make it not only tasty, but also healthy? We have looked at how to choose an avocado for a salad, now we will look at how to prepare it.

Required Products:

avocado - 2 pcs.;
chicken eggs - 4 pcs.;
red onion - 200 g;
mayonnaise - to taste.

Work algorithm:

Boil eggs hard, peel and finely chop.
Wash and peel the avocado, cut in half and remove the pit.
Cut the fruit into small cubes (you can cut it directly in your palm, but very carefully).
Peel the onion and cut into half rings.
Combine all prepared ingredients.
It is better to add herbs, such as parsley.
Season everything with mayonnaise and mix thoroughly.

The salad is ready and can be served.

Omelette with tomato and avocado

An excellent breakfast that will give you energy and vigor for the whole day. Ingredients:

chicken eggs - 2 pcs.;
tomato - 1 pc.;
avocado - 1 pc.;
milk - half a glass;
salt:
vegetable oil.

Cooking method

Prepare a deep container, break eggs into it, add salt and whisk thoroughly with a whisk
Add milk and continue shaking until smooth.
Chop the avocado and tomato into small pieces.
Fry the tomato in a frying pan, add vegetable oil and salt.
Pour the egg mixture into the pan with the tomatoes and place the chopped avocado on top.
Place everything on low heat and cover with a lid.
Wait about 10 minutes.

Everything is ready, it’s a balanced breakfast. You can add sausage and cheese to taste.

Omelet rolls with avocado, tomatoes and herbs

Rolls have long become a favorite delicacy; you can prepare them at home. For this you will need:

3 pcs. chicken eggs;
1 tomato;
half an avocado;
a quarter of a lemon;
1 tbsp. milk;
2 tsp butter;
2 tsp olive oil;
salt;
pepper;
parsley;
a bunch of chives.