Ripening Avocados ~ Cowboy Caviar Recipe

I absolutely adore avocados!  I’ve been adding them to my salads and also use them in my favorite cowboy caviar recipe.

However, I haven’t had the best success as purchasing ripe avocado’s. My goodness it’s frustrating!  {{wink}}  Therefore, I decided to learn how to ripen an avocado quickly.

Pick a Ripe Avocado

When searching for a ripe avocado, choose one with a firm flesh, but gives a little when you squeeze.

Unripe avocados don’t give under pressure. Overly-ripe avocados will not have a firm flesh and be too squishy. Handle a bunch of avocados at the market and you will feel the difference.  Your best bet is to buy ripe avocados the day that you need them.

Ripening Avocados

According to Eat This, ripening an avocado can be done in the same way that you ripen bananas:

• Place the avocado in a paper bag with an apple, banana, or tomato.
• Fold the bag closed and leave it to sit on the counter overnight.

The ethylene gas in the other fruit will cause the avocado to ripen in about 24 hours.  If you don’t have other fruit to put in the bag with the avocado, you can put it in the bag by itself and it will ripen, but it will take longer than overnight.

Avocado Recipe ~ Cowboy Caviar

I make this Cowboy Caviar recipe every time I host an event.  It’s now requested from friends which is a wonderful compliment.

Ingredients

2 cans (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (17 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 or 2 large avocados, peeled and diced
1/2 red onion, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Dressing

1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
3-4 Tbsp. lime juice
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.  Cover and chill. Garnish, if desired with additional avocado slices or cilantro sprigs, and serve with tortilla chips.

What’s your favorite avocado recipe?