Aldi has urged shoppers to reconsider a common habit in supermarkets: squeezing avocados to test ripeness. The German grocery chain, which operates over 1,080 stores in the UK, warns that pressing the fruit with fingertips can leave it bruised before it reaches the plate.
How to check ripeness without damage
The retailer recommends gently holding the avocado in the palm of your hand to check for softness, or removing the small stalk. If the stalk comes away easily and reveals green flesh underneath, the avocado is ripe and ready to enjoy.
The advice comes ahead of World Avocado Day on Friday, July 31. Aldi reports that its avocado sales continue to grow, up 5.6% year-on-year, while demand for XL Avocados has increased by 25.3%.
Tips for ripening and storing
Aldi also shared tips to help avocados ripen faster and stay fresher longer. To speed up ripening, place the fruit in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple; these fruits release ethylene gas, which accelerates ripening. Unripe avocados should be stored at room temperature until softened, then refrigerated to slow the ripening process and preserve freshness.
Preventing browning and reducing waste
To stop leftovers from browning, keep the stone in the other half, brush the exposed flesh with lemon or lime juice, and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Aldi also suggests using avocados beyond toast—in salads, wraps, sandwiches, smoothies, or homemade guacamole—to avoid waste.
Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: "No one wants to cut into an avocado only to find it's bruised or past its best. Getting the timing right can sometimes be tricky, but knowing how to choose, ripen and store avocados properly can make all the difference. By making a few simple changes, shoppers can enjoy better quality avocados, keep them fresher for longer and get the most from every purchase."
