How To Ripen Your Avocados: The Paper Bag Hack

The Science Behind It:

This avocado ripening technique is based on the natural production of ethylene gas, a plant hormone that accelerates the ripening process. Both apples and bananas are high ethylene producers. When an avocado is placed in close proximity to these fruits, especially in a confined space like a paper bag, the ethylene gas concentration around the avocado increases.

Ethylene triggers the enzymatic reactions that soften the fruit, enhancing the ripening process. The paper bag serves to contain the ethylene gas in a small space, increasing its effect.

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For the Best Results:

Monitor the Fruit -Be aware that the apple or banana you use will also continue to ripen, possibly becoming overripe. You might want to use fruits that are slightly less ripe to begin with.

Use Room Temperature Avocados -Cold can slow down the ripening process, so make sure your avocados are at room temperature when you start the ripening process.

Single Layer -For best results, make sure the fruit in the bag aren’t piled on top of each other. Spread them out so the ethylene can circulate around each piece.

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How to Do It:

1. Gather Your MaterialsYou will need a paper bag, an avocado that is not yet ripe, and either an apple or a banana.

2. Place Them in the BagPut your unripe avocado and the apple or banana into the paper bag. The type of fruit you choose doesn’t drastically change the outcome as both are effective at producing ethylene.

3. Seal the BagFold the top of the bag loosely to close it but allow for some air circulation. The goal is to trap enough ethylene gas to speed up the ripening without creating a completely airtight environment.

4. Check the RipenessAfter about 24 hours, check the avocado by gently pressing the skin. If the avocado yields to firm, gentle pressure, it’s ripe and ready to eat. If it’s still hard, leave it in the bag, checking daily.

5. Enjoy Your AvocadoOnce ripe, you can eat the avocado or store it in the refrigerator to slow down further ripening.

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Footnote: A Natural Speed Boost

Using a paper bag to ripen avocados with apples or bananas is a perfect example of using nature’s tools to our advantage. This hack not only saves time but also taps into the fascinating world of plant biology.

Remember, the next time you use this hack, you're harnessing the power of ethylene, the same gas that controls the ripening and aging of many plants and fruits.

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