Frequently Asked Questions

California grown Avocados are the best tasting avocados you are going to find. Have you wondered what the difference is between avocado varietals? Do you know how to store avocados for freshness?. If you have any questions about our avocados, check out these frequently asked questions to learn more about Rossi Ranch. If you do not find an answer to your question or questions, please contact us for more information.

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Q: How long do avocados take to ripen?

A: Early in the season (January) it can take ten to fourteen days. As the season progresses the oil content slowly increases so that the avocado might ripen in five to seven days in June and July.

Q: How do I know when an avocado is ripe?

A: Typically with the Hass variety, they will turn black and will have softened to the squeeze similar to that of a ripe tomato. The best way to tell is to gently squeeze the fruit in the palm of your hand (avoid fingers). Ripe fruit will be ready to eat when firm but yield to gentle pressure.

Q: How do I ripen avocados?

A: Avocados ripen in a few days at room temperature (faster if stored with other fruits such as apples or bananas, because of the influence of ethylene gas). They are usually ready for consumption 7 to 10 days after harvesting. In the course of the ripening process under proper storage, the stalk of the avocado will drop off by itself, making it easy to tell when it is ready to eat without unnecessary bruising of the fruit.

Q: How should I store avocados?

A: Your avocados are picked for you on the farm and shipped the same day. When you receive them 2-3 days later, they will still be hard and green. Keep some of the avocados at room temperature, the rest in a cellar. Avoid temperatures lower than 41°F and higher than 71.6°F, as this would spoil the flavor. Don’t ever try to hurry the ripening process by placing the avocados in the sun or on a radiator.

Q: Can I freeze avocados?

A: Whole avocados should not be frozen. You must take them out of the skin after they have ripened. Just cube them up and throw in the freezer for smoothies later.

Q: Can I refrigerate avocados?

A: Yes, but only after they have ripened. They should stay a few more days.

Q: How do I store a cut or half an avocado?

A: Wrap the avocado in a cling film and rub the cut surface with lemon juice.

Q: When is an avocado to ripe to eat?

A: If the fruit is overly soft or the stem end appears to be dried out it most likely is too ripe. You can use an avocado if it is free from brown color or strings. Overly ripe avocados can have a slight rancid odor.

Q: Where are brown spots coming from?

A: Brown spots in the flesh of the avocado arise in shock or pressure.

Q: Are brown spots eatable?

A: Yes, but not tasty. Better to cut them off.

Q: Can you eat the peel and/or stone?

A: Stone and shell are not suitable for consumption.

Q: Are avocados bad for pets?

A: We recommend that you speak with your veterinarian to get advice on whether it is OK to feed them to your animals or not.

Q: Is an avocado a vegetable?

A: The avocado is a fruit.

Q: What kind of fruit is an avocado?

A: The avocado is a berry.

Q: How many calories are in an avocado?

A: The total calories of an avocado (serving size 1/5 medium [30g/1oz]) is 50 per serving (35 calories from fat).

Q: What is the carbohydrate count in an avocado?

A: The total number of carbohydrates of an avocado (serving size 1/5 medium [30g/1oz]) is 3 grams or 1 percent of the daily value.

Q: What is the Omega content in an avocado?

A: Based on a single serving of avocado (1/5 medium avocado or 30g), avocados contain the following milligrams of Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9:
OMEGA 3 = 40mg
OMEGA 6 = 500mg
OMEGA 9 = 30mg
The avocado is virtually the only fruit that has monounsaturated fat (the good fat). This good fat can help boost HDL (good cholesterol) and lower LDL (bad cholesterol), which is especially important for people with diabetes, as they are at greater risk of heart disease.

Q: Are your avocados treated?

A: Our avocados are untreated. They are pesticide- and herbicide-free.

Q: What varieties do you sell?

A: We only sell the Hass variety. The Hass is the premier avocado in taste and texture and is the number one selling avocado in the world.

Q: How long will it take to get my avocado package?

A: You will receive your avocado package in about 3 to 5 working days.

Q: When can I expect delivery of my avocados?

A: We pick your avocados on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. If you place your order before midday, we will have it packed and sent that same day. Orders placed Thursday through Sunday will be picked and shipped on Mondays.

Q: Can I set up a subscription for the same order each month?

A: Yes, you can. With our subscription packages, you can specify if you want your order to be repeating.

Q: Will my avocados be ripe when they arrive?

A: Traditionally, no. We pick and ship to make sure you will fruit that will not damage in shipping and will ripen once you receive.

Q: What if I’m not happy with my order or the fruit is damaged?

A: We only send fruit in good condition but it’s hard for us to know if every single one is perfect on the inside. We will always work with you to make sure you are happy with your product.

Q: What size are the avocados?

A: Medium to large; as we like to keep our handling to a minimum, we choose not to grade our fruit but instead to pick to a certain size. Our fruit will generally weigh 8 ounces and larger.

Q: Will your avocados be available all year round?

A: Our goal is to supply fruit to our customers from December to July/August.

Q: Can I send avocados as a gift?

A: Yes, sending the gift of avocados shows you care about the health and well-being of your family and friends. Simply provide the shipping address of the person you are sending to and if you would like to include a personal note, please use the Note field to provide. We’ll take care of the rest.

Q: Why are your avocados priced higher than those I can get in the grocery market?

A: While our premium pricing may seem expensive, you are receiving premium quality avocados delivered to your door direct from our farm. Rossi Ranch Avocados are superior to those you traditionally find at your local grocery stores, supermarkets, or restaurants. Those are sprayed with ripening inhibitors and are refrigerated for weeks until they are delivered to market, giving them a shorter shelf life and diminishing their taste. Our avocados are USA-based, California-grown, and are picked and shipped right from our grove. We DO NOT use any chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides (such as Roundup), or ripening agents. Our avocados are grown and harvested the old-fashioned way, on a small family farm by hand. Rossi Ranch Avocados are also larger than those you traditionally find. Our price also includes shipping and handling.