Avocado - Is it ripe?

The first few times I purchased avocados I didn't really pay attention to whether or not they were ripe. I constantly purchased unripened avocados and became frustrated when I'd slice into them and they were rock solid and not edible.

Here's some general tips for shopping for avocados !

UNRIPENED

* Bright green skin
* Hard to the touch
* Dense, thick to cut through
* Inside pulp is hard, not scoopable

RIPE

* Darken green, shriveled appearance
* Lighter feeling
* Skin and pulp is soft, can be pressed in     slightly
* Inside pulp is soft, scoopable

Depending on when you plan to use the avocado will determine whether to purchase ripe or unripened. If you are planning to use for a salad or some fresh guacamole same or next day, go for the ripe avocado.

If you aren't planning to use them right away or think they might sit for a few days, go unripened. A trick I  learned is to place them in a paper bag to help ripen them a bit faster ! Shaves off a day or two !