More times than I’d like to admit, I’ve cut open avocados too early or let them ripen on the counter too long. My wife loves to make fun of me for this. I’m particularly prone to doing it with varieties that take forever to ripen, like Pinkerton, or with varieties that have shell-like skin, such as Nabal.
The toothpick test is the single best method I know to help avoid this. And it can even help with store-bought Hass, which sometimes turn confusing colors because of the cold storage and gas ripening that such avocados go through.
Here’s a video showing the toothpick test and a couple other tips:
Let’s never waste another avocado!
On a similar note, you might like some tips as to when to pick avocados from a tree. That is, how can we tell when avocados are mature? This post gives some guidance on that, whether or not you know the variety you’re dealing with: “When to pick avocados.”
All of my Yard Posts are linked HERE
Hi Greg, sorry, this has nothing to do with gardening although we do have something in common and I wasn’t sure how otherwise to contact you. Anyway, really enjoyed reading your book. I was in Lesotho in the Peace Corps from 1987 to 1989. It brought back so many great memories and it’s amazing how little things had changed from when you were there.
Thanks so much for writing the book. I must admit with me sister sent that to me recently initially I wasn’t that interested in reading it but I’m so glad that I did. I am still in contact with a few of my Peace Corps friends and I know they will enjoy it just as much as I have enjoyed reading it.
Take care,
Eric
Thanks so much for reaching out, Eric. I am also wary about reading Peace Corps books. It makes me very happy to hear that you found mine worth your time.
I haven’t been back to Lesotho since a visit in 2011. It feels like forever ago. But I bet I wouldn’t be surprised to find that not much has changed in the last decade.
Again, thank you for sharing. I worked very hard at writing that book so that someone with your knowledge could enjoy reading it.