Summer is the best time for a very popular super-food: avocado. Avocado is delicious on toast, in a salad, on a burger, in a smoothie and of course in guacamole. As delicious as avocados can be, they can also be very temperamental, sometimes only staying fresh for a day or two. The best way to ensure you will enjoy fresh, delicious fruits and vegetables all summer long is to get your produce from a trusted source. E. Armata Inc. is a family run fruit and produce wholesaler in Hunts Point Market committed to providing the best quality products available to all of their customers.
How to pick the perfect avocado
It can be difficult to tell when an avocado is ready to eat. One reason for that is because avocados do not ripen until they are harvested. If you are shopping a few days in advance, buying an avocado that is not yet ripe is your best bet. There are two main factors that determine the ripeness of an avocado:
- Color – darker avocados are usually riper than lighter green avocados.
- Pressure – gently squeezing an avocado can tell you if it is ready to eat. If the avocado does not give at all it may not be ripe yet. If it feels mushy or soft, it may be overripe. A perfectly ripe avocado will give a little bit when squeezed, but not change shape.
Once you get home
If you are not planning on eating your avocado immediately, there are some ways to slow down the ripening process so that your avocados won’t go bad before you get to eat them. In warm weather, avocados will ripen even faster than usual. However, do not store them in the fridge unless they are cut. Squirt some lime or lemon juice and cover with plastic wrap to prolong its freshness.
Apart from being delicious, avocados have numerous health benefits. Avocados contain more potassium than bananas, they are high in fiber and antioxidants, and may even help prevent cancer. Avocados, like all produce are best fresh. Now more than ever it is important to be sure you are getting the freshest produce available for your restaurant or store. E. Armata, Inc. is a 4th generation wholesaler in the Hunts Point Market, New York. Working directly with grower/ shippers guarantees the best quality products on the market. Call us today at (718-991-5600) to learn more.