How to do it
Put your firm avocado into a paper bag with one apple or one banana. Fold the top loosely and leave the bag at room temperature.
Check the avocado after 24 hours by pressing gently near the stem end. If it is still firm, give it another 12 to 24 hours.
Why it works
Apples and bananas release ethylene, a natural ripening gas. Inside the paper bag, that gas stays closer to the avocado instead of dispersing into the room.
That is why an avocado can ripen in 1 to 2 days instead of taking 5 to 7 days on the counter. A paper bag matters here: it traps enough gas while still letting excess moisture escape.
Ingredients
- 1 firm avocado
- 1 apple or 1 banana
- 1 paper bag
Good to know
Once the avocado feels ready, move it to the fridge. That slows the process and usually buys you a few extra days.
This trick is for whole avocados, not cut ones. If you already sliced it open, protect the flesh with a little lemon juice and cover it tightly instead.
Do not squeeze the middle with your thumb. Test softness near the top by the stem so you avoid bruising it.