Hass avocados are not stored properly in many homes and retail outlets, generating losses for both producers and consumers. This situation, more common than it seems, has specific causes that can be prevented if identified early.
Below, we explain the main reasons why Hass avocados don't store properly, as well as share best practices for extending their shelf life and quality.
1. Improper Storage
The Hass avocado is a delicate fruit that responds sensitively to storage conditions. One of the most common reasons why Hass avocados don't store properly is exposure to inadequate temperatures, humidity, or ventilation.
What happens if it is stored incorrectly?
- Excessive heat accelerates ripening and can cause overripeness in just a few days.
- Excessive cold (less than 3°C) can damage the pulp and cause black spots.
- Damp or closed environments favor the appearance of mold and fungi.
Good practices to preserve it correctly:
- Ripe: Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container or wrapped in paper.
- Green: keep it at room temperature until ripe.
- Avoid sudden changes in temperature when moving it from the refrigerator to the room.
- Do not store it next to fruits that release excess ethylene (such as apples or bananas) if you do not want to accelerate its ripening.
These practices help prevent Hass avocados from being improperly preserved due to errors in home or commercial storage.
2. Harvesting Outside the Optimum Ripening Point
Harvest timing directly influences the quality and longevity of the avocado. If harvested too early, the fruit will not fully develop its flavor and texture; if harvested too late, it will deteriorate quickly.
What happens if you harvest at the wrong time?
- An unripe avocado may not ripen properly or may end up with a rubbery texture.
- An overripe fruit reaches the point of sale already soft or with oxidized areas.
- Both extremes significantly reduce the product's lifespan.
Good practices to avoid it:
- Evaluate the level of dry matter and firmness of the fruit before harvest.
- Avoid harvesting due to market pressure if the fruit is not yet ready.
- Respect the crop development time according to climatic conditions and altitude.
Selecting the right harvest time is one of the keys to preventing Hass avocados from being stored improperly from the moment they originate.
3. Improper Handling and Transportation
During post-harvest, the avocado goes through processes of selection, packaging and transportation that can put their integrity at risk. Rough handling or poor packaging can cause damage that affects their preservation.
How does poor handling affect?
- Bumps or pressure can cause internal bruising that later results in black spots or rot.
- Poorly ventilated packaging can cause condensation and accelerate deterioration.
- Excessive movements during unprotected transport damage the skin and pulp.
Good practices for safe transportation:
- Use padded packaging or packaging specifically designed for delicate fruits.
- Avoid over-stacking or exposing fruits to the weight of other products.
- Train staff in gentle handling techniques.
- Control the temperature throughout the logistics chain.
Careful handling at this stage is crucial to prevent Hass avocados from being improperly preserved before reaching the consumer.
Why Doesn't Hass Avocado Store Properly?
When Hass avocados are not properly stored, there is a loss of quality, flavor, and consumer experience. This situation, in most cases, is not due to a single cause, but rather a combination of factors: untimely harvesting, rough handling, uncontrolled transportation, or poor final storage.
To improve the shelf life of Hass avocados, it's essential to pay attention to each of these stages. From the moment they're harvested until they reach the consumer's kitchen, the fruit requires careful and proper handling.
Discover High Quality Colombian Hass Avocado!
Now that you know some of the reasons why Hass avocados do not store properly, we invite you to understand how Fruty Green grows and exports Colombian Hass avocados under standards that guarantee freshness and durability from the source.
