Do you know what time it is? Peak California Avocado season! These delicious, creamy fruits make just about anything “California-style,” and now through the end of summer is the perfect time to get your fill. To help you get maximum avocado enjoyment this summer, we’re here to answer a very important FAQ (Frequent Avocado Question): How do you pick the perfect avocado?

Answer: It varies!

Check it out: 

• If you want to eat your avocados today or tomorrow, choose ones with dark black skin that are tender to the touch.
• If you want to save your avocados to eat later in a few days, choose greener, firmer fruits that still have time to ripen.

But what if your avocados are ripe too soon or not ripe enough? Use these handy kitchen hacks!

• If you’re not quite ready to enjoy your avocados but they're already ripe and ready to eat, store them whole in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
• If you don’t want to wait, place your avocado in a paper bag with an apple, banana or kiwi for 2­­–5 days at room temperature to accelerate the ripening process.

There you have it—how to choose the perfect avocados and have them ready to eat when you are. Find locally grown California avocados in the Produce Department at your local Nugget Markets while they’re still in season!

In partnership with the California Avocado Commission.