Answered from cited sources · retrieved September 20, 2026
how to ripen avocados fast
To ripen an avocado faster, place it in a brown paper bag with a ripe banana or apple to concentrate the ethylene gas that triggers ripening.
The most effective way to speed up ripening is to place an underripe avocado in a brown paper bag with a piece of ethylene-producing fruit, such as a banana or an apple. The bag traps the ethylene gas released by the fruit, which naturally signals the avocado to ripen. Storing the bag in a warm location can further accelerate this process. While this method is faster than leaving an avocado on the counter, it typically still requires a few days depending on the fruit's initial stage of maturity. Once ripe, you can refrigerate the avocado to help maintain its quality for a few additional days.
- Use a paper bag with ethylene-producing fruit. Place the avocado and a ripe banana or apple inside a brown paper bag and fold it shut to trap the ethylene gas. This is widely considered the most effective method.
- Keep it warm. Avocados ripen faster in warmer environments. Keeping the paper bag in a warm spot in your kitchen can provide an additional boost to the ripening process.
- Avoid heat-based hacks. Avoid using a microwave or oven. These methods only soften the flesh and result in an unpleasant, bitter, or astringent flavor rather than true ripeness.
- Refrigerate once ripe. Once the avocado reaches your desired level of ripeness, move it to the refrigerator. This slows down the ripening process and can extend the window of time you have to eat it.
Sources
- We Tested Popular Avocado-Ripening Methods—Here’s What Worksseriouseats.com · published January 4, 2026
- How to Ripen Avocados: 4 Simple Methods and 1 mythhealthline.com · published May 16, 2022
- The Fastest Way To Ripen an Avocado, According to an Avocado Farmersimplyrecipes.com · published January 3, 2026
- The Best Way to Ripen Avocados, According to Our Testsfoodandwine.com · published July 30, 2025
- I Tried 7 Ways to Ripen Avocados & The Winner Worked Fastthekitchn.com · published July 17, 2025
- Need To Ripen an Avocado Fast? Use a Banana. | America's Test Kithcen | America's Test Kitchenamericastestkitchen.com · published May 3, 2023
- The Best Method for Ripening Avocados Fastfoodandwine.com · published October 8, 2025
- How to Ripen an Avocado Fastavocadosfrommexico.com
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