Check the Color of the Avocado Stem: It Tells You Everything!
Have you ever picked up a beautiful avocado at the store, only to slice it open and find it brown, mushy, or stringy inside? We’ve all been there — guessing whether an avocado is ripe can feel like playing produce roulette.
But here’s a simple trick that will save you from disappointment every time: just check the color under the avocado stem!
That tiny little stem at the top of your avocado actually tells you everything you need to know about what’s going on inside — no squeezing, guessing, or wasting needed.
The Secret Is in the Stem
The next time you’re selecting an avocado, gently flick off the small stem or cap at the top. What you see underneath will reveal whether your avocado is perfectly ripe, underripe, or past its prime.
Here’s how to decode it:
🥑 Bright green under the stem = perfectly ripe!
If the color underneath is fresh, bright green, congratulations — you’ve found the perfect avocado. The flesh inside will be creamy, smooth, and ready to eat.
🥑 Brown under the stem = overripe.
If it’s dark brown or black, that means the inside is likely brown or mushy as well. The avocado is past its peak and probably better for compost than your toast.
🥑 Pale or yellow-green = not quite ripe yet.
If it’s pale or slightly yellow, your avocado needs a little more time to ripen. Leave it on the counter for a day or two until it deepens in color and softens slightly.
Why This Trick Works
The stem is like a window into the fruit. It covers the small spot where the avocado was connected to the tree. Underneath, you can see the top layer of the flesh — so its color gives a direct clue about the ripeness inside.
Unlike squeezing (which can bruise the fruit), this method gives you a clear, damage-free preview of what’s happening beneath the skin.
Extra Tips for Perfect Avocados
Now that you know the stem trick, here are a few more ways to make sure your avocados are always perfect:
