Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Food

How to soften an avocado instantly for your smashed avo on toast

... and it's not the banana trick! - by Rebecca Lowrey Boyd
  • 07 Feb 2018

There’s nothing more frustrating than discovering your avocado is rock hard – just when you’re about to make smashed avo on toast.

So how can you ripen it quickly?

We all heard of the banana in a paper bag trick, but according to the experts from the California Avocado Commission, you should pop your avocados in a paper bag with a kiwifruit or apple (or both).

For best results, use red or golden delicious apples (instead of Gala or Fuji) because they produce more ethylene, which triggers the ripening process.

The only problem with the paper bag technique is that you need to wait overnight for it to ripen.

If you can’t wait a day, try this trick from California avocado grower Carol Steed to instantly soften your avo: Place two peeled, pitted avocados in a blender with one cup of peas (fresh, or frozen and thawed); and pulse until smooth. The peas will help soften the unripe avocados but it won’t affect the flavour.

Want to grow an avocado tree of your own at home? Find out how here.

Looking for more food hacks? Check out the video below. 

  • Food
  • Better Life

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

How to tell when an avocado is ripe

How to tell when an avocado is ripe

The great avocado debate

The great avocado debate

Giant avocados (aka avozillas) hit supermarket shelves

Giant avocados (aka avozillas) hit supermarket shelves

Smoked salmon and avocado roulade

Smoked salmon and avocado roulade

{headline}

{headline}

Guacamole

Guacamole

One mum has revealed her simple trick for ripening avocados in only 10 minutes

One mum has revealed her simple trick for ripening avocados in only 10 minutes

How to grow avocado tree from its seed

How to grow avocado tree from its seed

{headline}

{headline}

How to grow an avocado tree

How to grow an avocado tree

How to pick the perfect avocado from the grocer

How to pick the perfect avocado from the grocer

5 avocado alternatives you need to try

5 avocado alternatives you need to try

8 things you never knew about avocados

8 things you never knew about avocados

This ingenious hack will stop your avocado going brown

This ingenious hack will stop your avocado going brown

You can now buy avo on toast and rosé Christmas decorations

You can now buy avo on toast and rosé Christmas decorations

Your favourite brunch food may be ruining your sleep

Your favourite brunch food may be ruining your sleep

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription