Grocery shopping might be a weekend therapy for some, but for others, it's a full-blown anxiety test. Not because the aisles are crowded, but because picking the right fruits and vegetables can feel like advanced-level adulting. One wrong squeeze and you've either got a rock-hard avocado or a mushy mess. And when it comes to avocados—there's no room for error. They're either perfect or a total disaster. Here’s how to never lose the avocado gamble again.

Color isn’t everything—but it’s a good start

The first clue lies in the skin. For Hass avocados, which are the most common in stores, color is a helpful indicator of ripeness. Unripe Hass avocados are bright green. As they ripen, they darken into a deep, almost black shade. So if you need an avocado for today’s guacamole, reach for the darker ones.

However, not all varieties behave the same way. Fuerte, Bacon, and other green-skinned avocados stay green even when ripe. For these, color can be misleading, so you'll want to rely more on the next test: the squeeze.


Firmness is the best indicator

Gently squeeze the avocado with the palm of your hand—don’t use your fingertips, as they can bruise the fruit. A ripe avocado should yield slightly to pressure without feeling mushy or soft. If it feels firm but not rock hard, it's likely perfect for slicing into salads or sandwiches. If it’s very soft, it’s best for mashing into guacamole. And if it doesn’t budge at all? Give it a few days on the counter at room temperature to ripen naturally.

Avoid avocados that feel overly squishy or have visible dents, soft spots, or broken skin. These are signs that the fruit is overripe or damaged inside.

Stem test, weight, and skin check

Still not sure? The stem trick can offer a final clue. Flick off the small nub at the top of the avocado. If it comes off easily and reveals green flesh underneath, you’ve got a ripe one. If it’s brown underneath, the fruit is likely overripe. If the stem doesn’t come off, the avocado is probably still unripe.


Weight is another helpful factor. A ripe avocado should feel heavy for its size, which usually means it’s full of creamy, usable flesh. Light ones might be dried out inside.

Lastly, check the skin for blemishes, cracks, or deep indentations. Smooth, unblemished skin (even if it’s a bit bumpy, like with Hass) is a good sign of a healthy avocado.

If you’re buying multiple avocados, don’t pick all ripe ones unless you plan to use them immediately. Instead, choose a mix—some ready now, and others that will ripen in a few days. That way, you’ll always have a perfect avocado on hand when you need it.