Avocados are a nutritious fruit that many people enjoy in salads, on toast, in guacamole, and more. As avocados ripen, their flavor develops and the flesh softens. However, once an avocado becomes overripe, it can develop an unappealing taste and texture. Additionally, overripe avocados are more prone to harboring harmful bacteria. So when is an avocado overripe, and when should you avoid eating it?
How to tell if an avocado is overripe
Here are some signs that an avocado is past its prime and becoming overripe:
- The skin is very dark brown or black, and may be wrinkled
- There are brown or black spots on the skin
- The flesh is very soft or mushy
- The flesh is brown or grayish in color
- There is mold growth on the skin or flesh
- It has an off smell, such as sour, alcoholic, or rotten
As an avocado ripens, it produces ethylene gas which speeds up the ripening process. Once an avocado is overripe, the ethylene production spikes even higher. This can not only lead to unappealing tastes and textures, but also potential growth of harmful molds and bacteria.
Health risks of eating overripe avocado
Eating an overripe avocado comes with some health risks:
- Foodborne illness – Overripe avocados are more susceptible to harbor dangerous molds and bacteria, such as Salmonella and Listeria. Consuming these can lead to foodborne illness.
- Indigestion – The high ethylene levels in an overripe avocado can make it difficult to digest and cause gas, bloating, stomach cramps, and other discomforts.
- Allergic reaction – Mold growth on overripe avocado can trigger food allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals.
Ripe, fresh avocados contain antioxidants and healthy fats. But overripe avocados lose nutrients over time while risking contamination with toxic molds and bacteria. So it’s best to avoid eating them.
How long do ripe avocados last?
How long an avocado lasts depends on its ripeness stage:
- An unripe, hard avocado can last 1-2 weeks if stored properly in the fridge.
- A ripe, ready-to-eat avocado will last around 5-7 days in the fridge.
- Once cut open, a ripe avocado will only last 1-2 days in the fridge.
To extend the shelf life, store avocados at room temperature until ripe, then move to the fridge. Keep in an airtight container or bag. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface of cut avocado to minimize oxidation.
Tips to avoid overripe avocados
Here are some tips to prevent buying or using avocados that are overripe or past their prime:
- Check the skin – Avoid avocados with very dark, wrinkled skin.
- Do the squeeze test – Don’t buy avocados that feel overly soft or mushy.
- Check for spots – Brown/black spots indicate spoilage.
- Sniff test – Make sure there’s no sour or off smell.
- Buy unripe – Purchase firm avocados and allow to ripen at home.
- Check bags – Inspect pre-bagged avocados, as one overripe fruit speeds up the others.
- Use quickly – Consume ripe avocados within 5-7 days.
- Store properly – Keep avocados refrigerated in an airtight container.
What to do with overripe or spoiled avocados
If you end up with avocados past their prime, here are some options besides eating them:
- Use in hair or skin masks – The oils may replenish dry hair or skin.
- Make body scrub – Mix with sugar or salt for an exfoliating scrub.
- Compost – Overripe or moldy avocados can be added to compost piles.
- Trash – If moldy or spoiled, discard the avocado to avoid contamination.
- Grow an avocado tree – Try planting the pit in soil to grow your own tree.
Never serve or eat an avocado that is clearly overripe, moldy, or smells unpleasant. When in doubt, follow the old adage – when it smells bad, throw it out!
Nutrition facts of avocado
Here is the nutrient content of a medium, raw, Hass avocado (200g):
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Fat | 29g | 39% |
| Saturated fat | 4g | 20% |
| Fiber | 13g | 54% |
| Folate | 162mcg | 41% |
| Niacin | 4mg | 24% |
| Pantothenic acid | 4mg | 40% |
| Vitamin B6 | 1mg | 55% |
| Vitamin C | 33mg | 55% |
| Vitamin E | 4mg | 26% |
| Vitamin K | 53mcg | 66% |
| Potassium | 1,034mg | 22% |
Avocados provide nearly 20 vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. They are a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids, fiber, folate, vitamin K, and more.
Potential health benefits of avocado
Research suggests avocados may offer these potential health benefits:
- Lower cholesterol – Avocados contain beta-sitosterol which may help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
- Improve heart health – The fiber and monounsaturated fatty acids help reduce heart disease risk factors.
- Control blood sugar – The fat and fiber in avocados makes them a diabetes-friendly food choice.
- Absorb nutrients – The fat helps the body absorb fat-soluble antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin from other foods.
- Aid weight loss – Avocados are satiating and may aid weight loss when substituted for processed foods.
- Reduce inflammation – Avocados have compounds that may lower inflammation in the body.
More research is needed, but the nutritional profile and bioactive compounds make avocados a likely healthy addition to your eating pattern.
Risks of eating too many avocados
Avocados are highly nutritious. However, some potential downsides of eating too many avocados include:
- Weight gain – Avocados are high in calories, so overeating may lead to unwanted weight gain.
- Bloating – The fiber content may cause gas, diarrhea, or constipation when consumed in excess.
- Toxicity – The leaves, pit, peel, and bark contain persin, which is toxic to pets and some farm animals.
- Allergies – Some people are allergic to avocados and experience symptoms like hives, itching, and swelling when exposed.
Moderation is key when enjoying avocados. Aim for about 1/4 to 1/2 an avocado up to five times per week as part of a healthy, whole food diet.
Conclusion
Allowing avocados to become overripe comes with health risks and unappealing taste and texture changes. Check avocados for signs of overripeness like dark or wrinkled skin, mushy flesh, and foul odors. Consume ripe avocados within a few days and store them properly to maximize freshness.
When avocados are past their prime, protect yourself by not eating them. Use very overripe or spoiled avocados for non-food purposes like hair masks or compost instead. For maximum nutrition and health benefits, enjoy avocados when they are perfectly ripe and fresh.