Outdoor Avocados When Ripe

Question

I have a four-year-old avocado tree in my backyard that for the first time has about 15 fruits about 3 inches x 4 inches in size. They are green and firm now. When should I pick them to eat?

Answer 1

Avocado ripeness varies depending on variety but for the most part as the fruit matures, the tree will sometimes lose blooms or change color. Fruit may change color slightly with a loss of glossiness. A simple test for ripeness is to hold the fruit in the palm of your hand and gently give it a squeeze. If it gives some, then the fruit is ready to pick. To test thick skinned varieties, remove the button at the stem end and insert a toothpick into the opening. If the meat is soft, the fruit is ready to eat.