Check the color: many avocados darken as they ripen
Gently squeeze the avocado in your palm
A ripe avocado yields slightly to firm pressure
If it feels very hard, it is not ripe yet
If it feels mushy, it is overripe
Remove the stem cap to check underneath
If the area under the stem is green, it is ripe or nearly ripe
If the area under the stem is brown, it may be overripe
Shake it lightly and listen for a loose pit
Use the avocado within a day or two after it becomes ripe