All about avocados...

Avocados don't ripen until after they are picked.

They are ripe when they yield to a gentle squeeze on the round end.

If you buy them and they are hard, let them sit out on the counter for 3 to 5 days...OR...to help them ripen faster, put them in a paper bag with a banana or apple and let sit at room temperature for 1 to 3 days.

Once your avocado is ripe, you can store it in the fridge for 5 to 7 days. Do not place a hard avocado in the fridge. The skin will turn darker, but it will not ripen.

You can FREEZE avocado! Not whole or in slices, but as a puree. Just empty the avocado into a bowl and mix it with lime juice ( 1 T per two avocados). Put into container with lid, leaving room at the top for expansion during freezing, and freeze up to 5 months! Plan to use the puree within 3 days at most after thawing it, and drain off any water before using it.

To help prevent browning, put plastic wrap directly on the surface so that no air gets at it.

HEALTH BENEFITS:
Did you know that avocados have several health benefits? Scientists have proved that a certain toxin present in avocados is able to kill cancer cells - it is used both in prevention and treatment of prostate and breast cancers. Furthermore, potassium in avocado can regulate pressure of blood, and oleic acid in avocado can be used to lower cholesterol level in the blood.

Now go buy your box of avocados!! :)