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Bacon avocados are ready to pick when they reach a certain size, but the real trick lies in understanding their unique ripening habits.
Unlike many other avocado varieties, bacon avocados don’t ripen on the tree, so knowing when are bacon avocados ready to pick is essential for getting that creamy, nutty flavor you’re after.
If you’ve been staring at your fruit and wondering when are bacon avocados ready to pick, you’re not alone.
This variety is a bit of a puzzle because it stays green even when mature, which confuses many home growers.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly when are bacon avocados ready to pick, how to test for maturity, and the best ways to ripen them off the tree.
Let’s dig into the details so you can harvest at the perfect moment.
When Are Bacon Avocados Ready to Pick? The Timing Basics
When are bacon avocados ready to pick largely depends on your climate, but there are reliable windows you can count on.
Bacon avocados are typically ready to harvest from late winter through early spring, usually between February and April in most regions.
The fruit takes about six to eight months to mature after the tree flowers, so you’ll need to track that timeline from bloom to harvest.
Even though you’re asking when are bacon avocados ready to pick, remember that the calendar is just a starting point.
The real answer involves checking the fruit’s size, oil content, and how it responds to a simple picking test.
Here’s what you need to know about the signs that indicate when are bacon avocados ready to pick for your specific tree.
1. Size Matters for Bacon Avocado Readiness
One of the easiest ways to gauge when are bacon avocados ready to pick is by their size.
Bacon avocados typically reach about six to twelve ounces when fully mature, depending on growing conditions.
If your fruit is still small and feels lightweight, it’s not time yet.
But once they hit that plump, substantial feel in your hand, you’re getting close to when are bacon avocados ready to pick.
Keep in mind that size alone isn’t a perfect indicator, but it’s a strong first clue.
2. Color and Skin Texture Give Clues
Bacon avocados stay green even when mature, which makes color a tricky signal for when are bacon avocados ready to pick.
Unlike Hass avocados that darken as they ripen, bacon avocados retain their bright green skin throughout the harvest window.
So instead of looking for color change, feel the skin’s texture.
A mature bacon avocado will have a slightly pebbly, dull skin rather than a glossy, shiny surface.
When you notice that shift from shiny to matte, you’re closer to knowing when are bacon avocados ready to pick.
3. The Stem Test for Maturity
A more reliable method for determining when are bacon avocados ready to pick involves the stem or the small piece of stalk attached to the fruit.
Pick one avocado and gently twist it off the branch.
If the stem comes off easily and leaves a clean, dry hole, that’s a good sign the fruit is mature.
But if the stem resists or tears the flesh, the avocado isn’t ready.
This simple test helps you pinpoint when are bacon avocados ready to pick without cutting into multiple fruits.
4. Float Test to Confirm Readiness
Another handy trick for when are bacon avocados ready to pick is the water float test.
Fill a bowl with water and gently place an avocado in it.
If it sinks, the fruit is still too dense and needs more time on the tree.
If it floats, the oil content has developed enough, indicating when are bacon avocados ready to pick.
This method works because ripe avocados have higher oil content, which makes them less dense than water.
While it’s not perfect, the float test is a fun and practical way to check when are bacon avocados ready to pick.
How to Ripen Bacon Avocados After You Pick Them
Once you’ve figured out when are bacon avocados ready to pick, the next step is ripening them indoors.
Bacon avocados will not ripen on the tree, so harvest timing is critical.
If you pick them at the right maturity, they’ll soften beautifully on your counter.
Here’s how to get the best texture and flavor.
1. Counter Ripening at Room Temperature
Place your freshly picked bacon avocados on the counter at room temperature.
They should ripen within three to five days, depending on how mature they were at harvest.
Check them daily by gently pressing the skin.
When they yield to slight pressure, like a ripe peach, they’re ready to eat.
This is the simplest way to manage when are bacon avocados ready to pick and enjoy them at peak quality.
2. Speed Up Ripening with a Paper Bag
If you’re impatient, place the avocados in a brown paper bag with a banana or apple.
These fruits release ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process.
Leave the bag open slightly for airflow and check after a day or two.
This method reduces the waiting time after you’ve confirmed when are bacon avocados ready to pick.
Just be careful not to over-ripen them, as they can turn mushy quickly.
3. Refrigerating to Delay Ripening
Once your avocados reach the perfect softness, pop them in the fridge to slow down further ripening.
This extends their shelf life by several days.
Remember that cold storage won’t help immature fruit, so only refrigerate after they’ve ripened.
This way, you can enjoy your harvest over a longer period without worrying about when are bacon avocados ready to pick again too soon.
Common Mistakes When Checking Bacon Avocado Maturity
Even with all this info about when are bacon avocados ready to pick, mistakes happen.
Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.
1. Picking Too Early
The biggest error is harvesting before the fruit has accumulated enough oil.
An early-picked bacon avocado will never ripen properly and will stay hard and tasteless.
That’s why you need to trust the stem test and float test before deciding when are bacon avocados ready to pick.
Don’t rely on the calendar alone, as weather can shift the harvest window.
2. Waiting for Color Change
Since bacon avocados stay green forever, waiting for them to darken is a wasted effort.
You’ll end up with overripe fruit that’s mushy and rancid by the time you notice a change.
Instead, focus on the tactile and float tests to determine when are bacon avocados ready to pick.
Color is simply not a factor for this variety.
3. Storing Whole Avocados in Fridge Too Soon
Some growers refrigerate their avocados right after picking to “preserve” them.
But this stops the ripening process dead in its tracks.
If you’ve confirmed when are bacon avocados ready to pick, keep them at room temperature first.
Only chill them after they’ve softened, or you’ll be stuck with rock-hard fruit.
So, When Are Bacon Avocados Ready to Pick?
Bacon avocados are ready to pick when they’ve reached maturity on the tree, even though they won’t ripen there.
The ideal time is late winter to early spring, but you should use a combination of size, skin texture, the stem test, and the float test.
Once you’ve determined when are bacon avocados ready to pick, you’ll need to ripen them indoors at room temperature.
Don’t wait for color changes, as bacon avocados stay green, and never refrigerate them before they soften.
By following these guidelines, you’ll enjoy perfectly creamy bacon avocados every single harvest.
Happy picking, and soon you’ll master exactly when are bacon avocados ready to pick for your unique garden conditions.