To me, no summer cookout is complete without appetizers. And no app spread is complete without guacamole.
ATK Kids
5 Tips for Guacamole-Ready Avocados
Here’s what to know about shopping for and storing avocados.
By 
But the difference between great guac and sad guac can be one pesky underripe or overripe avocado. Here are five avocado shopping and storage tips from America’s Test Kitchen Kids to guarantee great guacamole that’s easy enough for a kid to make.
Sign up for the Dinner Tonight newsletter!
Weeknight cooking inspiration, curated and written by longtime ATK author and editor (and avid home cook) Jack Bishop.
America's Test Kitchen will not sell, rent, or disclose your email address to third parties unless otherwise notified. Your email address is required to identify you for free access to content on the site. You will also receive free newsletters and notification of America's Test Kitchen specials.
1. Buy small, rough-skinned Hass avocados. Their rich flavor and buttery texture are essential for guacamole. Large, bright-green avocados are fine for salads but aren’t rich enough for guacamole.
2. Color alone isn’t an accurate indication of ripeness. That said, Hass avocados start out green and get progressively more purple black as they ripen.
3. The most accurate test for ripeness is to place the fruit in the palm of your hand and gently squeeze: It should be a little soft.
The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs
Using kid-tested and kid-approved recipes, America’s Test Kitchen has created THE cookbook every kid chef needs on their shelf. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your friends, or your family, The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs has delicious recipes that will wow!BUY NOW
4. Storing avocados in a paper bag at room temperature will speed up ripening by trapping ethylene, the gas that triggers ripening in many fruits and vegetables.
5. Unless you plan to eat them immediately, keep ripe avocados in the refrigerator, which can extend their shelf life by days.