While avocados are arguably one of the world’s most perfect foods, they’re not without their frustrations, thanks to their sometimes erratic ripening tendencies. Either they’re hard as a rock or suddenly turn brown, leaving you with a pile of mush, a seed, and sadness. So, what’s the secret behind how to ripen an avocado?
Better yet, how can you ripen an avocado quickly? It’s as simple as having an avocado sock in your kitchen arsenal.
What is an Avocado Sock?
An avocado sock is a fabric pouch that hastens the ripening process, giving you control over an often unpredictable scenario. Made of high-quality wool, the avocado sock isn’t magical – though it may seem like it is, given that it will ripen the greenest of fruits within 24 to 48 hours.
Unlike the waxy coating or chemicals that avocado producers rely on to delay ripening, the avocado sock is an all-natural way to bring out the buttery goodness right in time to make the guac. The secret to this innovative tool lies in its simplicity.
Brown Avocado Ripener Sock
$19.95
The natural lanolin and warmth of the wool in The Avocado Sock ripens your avocados faster while reducing bruising. Simply place the unripened avocado into the sock, seal the opening with the drawstring, and store it in a warm dry place. Made… read more
How Does it Work?
How is it that an avocado sock can ripen an avocado so quickly? In a nutshell, it promotes ethylene production, the natural hormone that causes the fruit to soften and get buttery. The process is similar to ripening pears, tomatoes, and bananas, all called climactic fruits.
Avocados don’t start the ripening process until they’re plucked from the tree and can stay on the vine for up to a year. That’s why they’re so hard and green at the outset. Only when the avocados have been harvested does ethylene start to unleash its softening powers.
Depending on where you live, it can take weeks or even months for an avocado to get to you from its place of origin. For that reason, it can be challenging to know how far along an avocado is in the ripening process or what techniques have been used to delay it.
How to Ripen an Avocado Quickly with an Avocado Sock
Using the avocado sock is a straightforward process.
- Open the sock and slide the unripe fruit inside. Depending on the size of the avocado, there may be a bit of extra space, which won’t be an issue. A snug fit is fine, too.
- Next, pull the ultrasuede drawstring closed and place the avocado and sock in a dry, warm location. This can be a sunny kitchen counter, a dining room table, a cabinet, or nestled in a bowl of fruit. Don’t store it in the refrigerator, though, as the cold can slow the ripening process.
- The next day, check in on the avocado sock to see if the fruit has ripened to your liking. If it feels hard or still needs to soften a bit more, give it another 12 to 24 hours to let the ethylene do its job. After 48 hours, your avocado should be perfect and ready to enjoy.
How To Ripen an Avocado the Right Way
Avocados are healthy, delicious, and versatile, which is why we’re all willing to gamble on when they’ll be ready to eat. Fortunately, the avocado sock gives you control over these sometimes frustrating fruits, promising you fresh avocado toast every day.
At Cedar Mountain Studios, we know that sometimes the simplest solutions are the best solutions. That’s why we’re sworn aficionados of the avocado sock and have one in our kitchen. You should, too.
