How To Know if an Avocado is Ripe
Squeezing the fruit is a good way to determine its doneness—the flesh should yield to moderate pressure—but it’s also a good way to mistake a bruised avocado for a ripe one. To be sure, flick the small stem of the avocado. If it comes off easily and you can see green underneath it, the avocado is ripe. If the stem does not come off or if you see brown underneath it, the avocado is not ripe.
Get more kitchen tips from our Curious Shortcuts blog. High-res

How To Know if an Avocado is Ripe

Squeezing the fruit is a good way to determine its doneness—the flesh should yield to moderate pressure—but it’s also a good way to mistake a bruised avocado for a ripe one. To be sure, flick the small stem of the avocado. If it comes off easily and you can see green underneath it, the avocado is ripe. If the stem does not come off or if you see brown underneath it, the avocado is not ripe.

Get more kitchen tips from our Curious Shortcuts blog.

Washing Blender Jars
Washing the blender jar can be a real chore, especially if foods have had time to harden. (And let’s be honest—who doesn’t procrastinate before taking on this annoying task?) Get a head start on the cleaning process by following this method: First, fill the dirty blender halfway with hot water and add a couple drops of liquid dish soap. Then, with the top firmly in place, turn the blender on high for 30 seconds. Most of the residue pours right out with the soapy water, and the blender jar need only be rinsed or lightly washed by hand. Another advantage to this technique: It keeps your fingers out of the jar and away from the sharp blade.
Get more tips for Trouble-Free Kitchen Tool Cleaning. High-res

Washing Blender Jars

Washing the blender jar can be a real chore, especially if foods have had time to harden. (And let’s be honest—who doesn’t procrastinate before taking on this annoying task?) Get a head start on the cleaning process by following this method: First, fill the dirty blender halfway with hot water and add a couple drops of liquid dish soap. Then, with the top firmly in place, turn the blender on high for 30 seconds. Most of the residue pours right out with the soapy water, and the blender jar need only be rinsed or lightly washed by hand. Another advantage to this technique: It keeps your fingers out of the jar and away from the sharp blade.

Get more tips for Trouble-Free Kitchen Tool Cleaning.