Avocados are thought to have originated along the border of Mexico and Guatemala and have been cultivated for thousands of years. They are now common in produce departments across the country.

But how do you go about picking the right one and keeping it fresh?

Keep reading for some tips all about avocados and even a few Farmer’s Fiesta-inspired recipes!

How to Choose an Avocado

No need to press your thumb into the avocado as hard as you can. You can identify the ripeness of an avocado by applying gentle pressure with the palm of your hand.

Reed, our Woodstock Assistant Produce Manager, says that a perfect avocado will be “firm with a slight give and consistent coloring.” Of course, the ideal softness of an avocado depends on how you plan to use it. Softer avocados are preferred for guacamole and other recipes requiring the fruit to be smashed; whereas, firmer avocados are perfect for slicing or using in salads. Planning ahead of time and allowing the fruit to ripen at home until it reaches your ideal consistency is the best way to serve the perfect avocado.

 

How to Store and Ripen an Avocado

So, you’ve picked your avocado, but where do you put it when you get home? Avocados should be stored unrefrigerated in a cool, dry place. If you need to ripen them quickly, move your avocados to a warmer spot or place them in a bag with an ethylene gas-producing fruit, such as an apple or banana.

What if your plans change and you don’t need your perfectly ripe avocado that day? Some people might suggest refrigerating it. But keep in mind that, while storing an avocado in the refrigerator will stop the ripening process, the texture tends to get stringy.

Are you trying to save half an avocado for later? Avocado flesh will start to brown when it is exposed to the air. Before storing a peeled avocado in the fridge, add lemon or lime juice and wrap your avocado to stop this color change or simply trim the brown edges off before the next use. Reed also mentions that fully submerging the avocado in water inside a mason jar can keep an open avocado fresh in your refrigerator for a few days. The exposed edge might obtain a slight film from the water, but it’s nothing a quick trim can’t fix!

How to Use an Avocado

The buttery, slightly nutty flavor of an avocado makes it a versatile fruit. Its creamy texture can be used in everything from avocado toast to mac and cheese! But today, we’re sharing two recipes perfect for Farmers’ Fiesta.

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Fresh Mango Avocado Salsa

What You’ll Need

• 2 mangoes, diced
• 1 avocado, coarsely chopped
• 1 red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 squeeze of lime juice

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix! It’s as simple as that.

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Guacamole

What You’ll Need

• 2 ripe avocados
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• juice of 1 lime
• ½ tsp. ground cumin
• 1 ½ cups diced tomatoes
• ½ tsp. salt

Instructions

1. Peel and pit avocados. Mash well.
2. Add remainder of ingredients.
3. Serve with corn chips, as a topping, or with fresh salad greens.