Gently press the avocado with your thumb
It should yield slightly without feeling mushy
Check the skin color if it is a Hass avocado
Darker skin often means it is riper
Remove the stem cap
If it comes off easily and the area underneath is green, it is ready
If the stem area is brown, it may be overripe
If the avocado feels very hard, it is not ready yet
If it feels very soft or has sunken spots, it is overripe
Shake it lightly
If the pit rattles, it may be overripe
Use it within a day or two once it is ripe