How long will this last?
5
days when stored properly
Counter
Storage location
42–68°F
Temperature
Moderate
Humidity
Ethylene producer. This one produces ethylene — the invisible ripening gas. Keep it away from ethylene-sensitive friends like leafy greens and broccoli.
Pro tip
Ripen at room temperature. Once ripe, move to refrigerator to slow further ripening. Sprinkle cut surfaces with lemon juice or store with the pit to reduce browning.
About
Creamy, rich, and endlessly versatile — avocado is the ingredient that makes everything better. Whether you're smashing it on toast, blending it into a smoothie, or piling it high on tacos, you get that buttery texture and mellow, nutty flavor in every bite. Pro tip: buy them a few days ahead and let them ripen on your counter for the perfect result.
Flavor & Uses
Taste and Uses
Flavor
butteryrichnuttymildcreamy
Best for
guacamoletoastsaladssmoothiestacossushisandwiches
Seasonality
In California
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak seasonIn seasonOff season
Good to know
Toxic to pets (dogs, cats, birds).
Fun Fact
Avocados are one of the only fruits that don't ripen on the tree — the tree actually acts as a natural storage unit, keeping them in a perpetual unripe state for up to 18 months.
In the Kitchen
Recipes with This Ingredient
Learn More
Related Lessons
How to Store Produce Like a Pro
Most produce goes bad before its time — not because of bad luck, but because of bad storage. This lesson covers the three zones every kitchen needs, which fruits and vegetables belong where, and the single most common mistake that speeds up spoilage faster than anything else.
Understanding Ethylene: The Invisible Ripening Gas
Ethylene is a natural gas that fruits and vegetables produce as they ripen — and it travels to everything around them. This lesson explains what ethylene is, which produce items produce it, which ones are devastated by it, and how you can use it strategically to your advantage.