How to choose the right ripe avocado at the store

founder of the International Institute of Integrative Nutritionology

What to pay attention to when choosing an avocado? How to choose a good and tasty one?

Alligator pear native to the tropics – that’s the second name of avocado. This fruit is known for its useful properties and unusual flavor. It is rich in vitamins, healthy fats and is suitable for preparing many dishes: smoothies, guacamole, puddings, bowls.

This fruit is an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, especially oleic acid (Omega-9). It reduces inflammation in the body and prevents the development of cancer and diabetes.

Fruits are caloric – up to 160 kcal per half of the average, and in 100 g of ripe pulp – about 212 kcal. Compared to other fruits, avocados are low in sugar: only 1.8 g for every 100 g. The fruit has a low glycemic index, which protects against blood sugar spikes.

In addition, avocados are rich in healthy dietary fiber, which helps control appetite, “feeds” friendly bacteria in the intestines and prevents many diseases: obesity, stroke, depression.

Green oily pulp can be used as a mask for face, body and hair. Such a procedure nourishes and saturates the skin and hair with useful microelements, improves the elasticity of the upper layer of the dermis and the condition of the hair.

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How to choose a ripe avocado

In supermarkets there are fruits of different varieties: “Royal black”, “Hass”, “Pinkerton”, “Fuerte”, “Reed”, “Gwen” and others. They differ in thickness and color of the skin, softness and size.

To choose a ripe and delicious fruit, you can use a universal instruction.

Assess the mass and size

The correct shape of the fruit is pear-shaped and elongated, not more than 20 cm. The mass of a large ripe avocado – about 300 g, the special value is represented by medium and very small fruits – weighing from 100 to 200 g. It is they are characterized by the highest concentration of useful substances, and the flavor of the pulp they have more intense.

Look closely at the color

As a rule, ripe fruits are darker, but this does not apply to all varieties. Most often, the color of the rind of a mature fruit is deep green on the outside. The flesh has a soft green color that turns yellow (closer to the core). A fresh avocado has a large, thick-skinned pit with a dense core and a bronze brown or dark olive color.

Feel the avocado

Gently press the fruit with your finger:

If there is no indentation on the surface, it means that the fruit has not yet reached maturity and will take a few days to ripen;
If after pressing there is an indentation and the peel is not leveled, it indicates that the fruit is overripe. You can buy it, but it is better to eat it on the day of purchase, otherwise rot may appear the next morning and the avocado will have to be thrown away.

Evaluate the stalk

In immature fruit, the stalk is light-colored, not dried out, and sturdy. After ripening it becomes dry and dark. If it is pulled slightly, it separates completely or partially from the fruit. If the place near the stem is dry and dark, the fruit is overripe, but if the juice comes out when you press it, the avocado is perfectly ripe.

Shake the fruit

If a tapping sound is heard when shaking, the fruit is ready to eat. This is because once ripe, the pith can be easily separated from the pulp. The absence of sound means that the fruit is unripe.

How to store avocados

The ripe fruit should be wrapped in paper and placed in the lower compartment of the refrigerator. Splash the sliced avocado with lemon juice and cover with cling film or place in an airtight container. The sliced fruit should not be stored for longer than two days.