looks sunken, it’s probably past its prime.
- Check the Skin: Know Your Variety
Color clues vary by type.
The most common variety—Hass—changes color as it ripens:
Unripe: Bright, bumpy green.
Ripe: Dark green to purplish-brown.
Overripe: Very dark, almost black, often with an overly soft or mushy feel.
Other varieties like Fuerte or Bacon stay green when ripe, so always rely on texture over color.
- Inspect the Flesh After Cutting
Once it’s open, look closely.
Good to eat: Uniform light green flesh.
Still okay: Small, isolated brown spots or thin,