How to Ship Avocados
Over 90 percent of the worlds avocados are grown in California. In order to safely get the avocados across the country, and even across the world, the avocados must be shipped properly. If shipping the avocados for retail purposes, there are specific temperatures, containers and guidelines that must be followed. But for those who are only transporting avocados to friends and family, the shipping process is relatively simple.
Pick the avocados. The easiest way to cut the avocados down is by using long clippers.
Immediately transport the avocados to a refrigerator. This will seal in the freshness and prevent the avocados from fully ripening and possibly going bad.
- Over 90 percent of the worlds avocados are grown in California.
- But for those who are only transporting avocados to friends and family, the shipping process is relatively simple.
Pack the avocados in cartons called lugs. If this form of carton is not available, pack the avocados in a way so they will not shake, move around and become bruised, such as wrapping them in paper.
Place the carton of avocados in a container that is safe to contain dry ice and add the dry ice. This will keep the avocados cool during the shipping process. If access to a refrigerated truck or plane is available, the dry ice is not necessary.
Avocados Ripen
Starting with the right avocado is an important part of the ripening process. When growing avocados, take the time to inspect several fruits to see which ones are ready for harvest. Place a banana or apple in the bag and your avocados will ripen faster due to the ethylene gas that apples and bananas naturally produce. It's best to use the avocados when they become ripe, but it is possible to store them for a few days and they'll still retain their ripeness and flavor. You can place whole ripe avocados in the refrigerator for up to three days without damaging the fruit.
- Pack the avocados in cartons called lugs.
- If this form of carton is not available, pack the avocados in a way so they will not shake, move around and become bruised, such as wrapping them in paper.
Tip
Once the avocados have been cooled in the refrigerator after picking, do not allow the temperature of the fruit to raise.
Warning
Make sure the avocados are not moist when being packed. The moisture can cause the fruit to rot.
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Writer Bio
Reese Armstrong graduated from Kent State University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in biology. Armstrong has been writing professionally since 2010 and published articles on various websites. For several years she worked as a skin care consultant for a major cosmetic company.
