Timing is everything, and we couldn't agree more. We know when our Avos are ripe for both the picking and for the eating, and we're sharing our best kept avocado ripening secrets below... shh!

HASS
It's helpful to know that Hass Avo ripening times vary from month to month. Check the pick date stamped on your box and this little chart shows how many estimated days till your avo's will be ripe from that pick date. Remember this is a general estimate on ripening times - your best indicator is the change of colour and softening of the avos when they become ripe

Please note that due to the different temperature ranges of NZ regions, there will be some region-to-region variance on the below. During July, August, Sept we aim to pick 5-7 days before dispatch day so that on the arrival of your box you only need to wait the remaining estimated days from pick date.

Jul
14-18 Days
Aug
12-15 Days
Sep
11-14 Days
Oct
10-13 Days
Nov
8-11 Days
Dec
7-10 Days
Jan
6-8 Days
Feb
5-7 Days
Mar
4-6 Days
Apr
3-5 Days
May
4-6 Days
June
6-8 Days

As the day draws ever closer, skin colour and gentle touch are going to be your best guide

Fully Unripe

This avo is bright green and very firm to touch. Put it back in the fruit bowl or box and wait till it gets darker. Don't put it in the fridge at this stage.

Not Ripe

This avo will still be firm but it's just started to change colour to a darker green than before. But once again put it back in the box, not in the fridge. The wait continues...

Ripe (Ish)

The skin on this guy will give a little when slightly squeezed - but squeeze gently, he is almost perfectly ready to eat!

Fully Ripe

This avo is fully ripe and ready to be eaten! He's dark brown/purplish... you know the colour. Time to cut him in half and enjoy. He will last another 5 days+ if he's kept chilled in fridge!

Secret No. 1: The Banana Trick

Bananas release a lot of natural ethylene and that is the gas that assists avocado ripening. Either place bananas with your avos in their box or in your fruit bowl. You might just speed up the process by a day if you're lucky.

Secret No. 2: The Fridge is Your Friend

Not good if they are bright green (see tip 3), but GREAT once they're ripe to extend their life. Safely tucked in your fridge, they will last for a week or more! You may even get another 5 days out of half an avo that's been put in your fridge.

Secret No. 3

Bright green avos are totally unripe and do NOT go in the fridge. It's important to let these guys ripen before refrigerating. Check the colour stages above to know when to pop them in the fridge.

Here's the step-by-step avocado ripening process, from our trees to your tummy...

We'll Take Good Care
Of The First Few Steps

Step 1

First, we pick your fruit. Real simple. Real easy. Nothing flash or complicated. Just gently snip it off the branch.

Step 2

After we pick them, we grade them to size then place them in a cardboard box and slap an address label on it. No cool stores, no washing, no nothing.

Step 3

Then within a few hours, Tim, our super efficient courier driver comes along and we fill his van until the rear tires are flat (this actually happens).

Step 4

They arrive on your doorstep. This is your face when you get home from work and see them. Now it's your turn...

Then It's Your Turn
To Bring It Home.

Step 5

Open your box of delicious avos. Check them, they should be green and unripe. If they are not then the courier has taken longer that it should have. If they are ripe, skip to step 8, quickly.

Step 6

Check the pick date which is stamped on each box. Refer to the charts above for average days until ripe and stages of ripeness colour. Leave your box of avos ajar, out of direct sunlight.

Step 7

Check your box each day as they won't all ripen at exactly the same time. You'll be so eager for creamy goodness you'll probably do this anyway. Depending on the colour some may be ready for fridge now.

Step 8

Once all your fruit starts to ripen, place them in the refrigerator and they will hold in perfect ripe condition, ready to eat for a week minimum. Now you will have ripe avos on hand when you want them!