Selecting a ripe avocado can seem tricky, but with a few tips up your sleeve, you’ll be choosing the best ones for your salads, sandwiches, or guacamole in no time. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide to ensure you bring home an avocado that’s just right for your needs.

Step 1: Observe the Color Avocados come in various shades, ranging from bright green to deep, dark green, almost black. Generally, as avocados ripen, their color deepens. Start by looking for avocados that have turned a darker shade. Keep in mind, though, that color alone isn’t always the definitive test for ripeness, but it’s a good starting point.

Step 2: Check the Firmness The best way to judge an avocado’s ripeness is by how it feels in your hand. Give the avocado a gentle squeeze with the palm of your hand (avoid using your fingertips as this can bruise the fruit). If the avocado yields to firm, gentle pressure, it’s ripe and ready to eat. If it feels hard, it will need a few more days to ripen. Conversely, if it feels too soft or mushy, it might be overripe.

Step 3: Look at the Skin Texture Examine the skin of the avocado. It should feel slightly bumpy. This texture is typical for the Hass variety, which is common in many stores. An avocado with very smooth skin might not be ripe yet, while one with excessively wrinkled skin might be past its prime.

Step 4: The Stem Trick Try to peek under the stem or cap at the top of the avocado. Gently pull it back and look at the color underneath. If it’s green, the avocado is likely good to go. If it’s brown, the avocado may be overripe. If the stem doesn’t budge, it probably needs more ripening time.

Pro Tip for Storing: If you buy an unripe avocado but want to speed up the ripening process, place it in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana. The ethylene gas emitted by these fruits helps encourage ripening. Once ripe, avocados can be kept in the refrigerator to slow down further ripening, preserving them for use when you’re ready.

Now that you know how to choose a ripe avocado, you can enjoy this versatile and nutritious fruit in your next dish. Happy avocado hunting!