Learn About Avocado

Author: Chef Sydney

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What is Avocado?

Avocados are oval or somewhat pear-shaped fruits originating from Mexico.  They usually have a dark green or black peel, a light green inside, and one large brown seed in the center of the fruit.  The skin feels slightly leathery, but the inside is soft and creamy.  They are ripe when they give slightly when squeezed.  Avocados have a mild, slightly fruity smell when cut into.

What Does Avocado Taste Like?

Avocado has a light, mild, somewhat fruity flavor.  Its flavor is easily enhanced with spices or masked with more dominant flavors like jalapeño or chocolate.

Avocado sliced in half on black background.
Avocado sliced in half on black background.

How Do You Eat Avocado?

Avocados are frequently enjoyed raw, but they are also eaten cooked.  Discard the peel and seed before eating.  People enjoy eating avocado smashed over toast, under a freshly poached egg, and in guacamole.  Avocado is a common creamy element to chicken, tuna, and vegetable salads.  Avocado may be breaded and fried or baked as avocado chips.  It is baked into brownies, blended into smoothies, and rolled into chocolate truffles.

Where Can You Buy Avocado?

Look for avocados year-round in the produce section of the grocery store.  They may be in the chilled section or with the other fruits and vegetables.

How Do You Store Avocado?

Store an unripe avocado at room temperature for 3-5 days, or until the fruit is ripe. Store ripe avocados in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. While ripe avocados can be stored at room temperature, they last longer in the refrigerator. If you are storing half of a cut avocado, sprinkle lemon juice over the fruit and place in an airtight, sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Fun Facts About Avocado

Avocados are also called alligator pears because of their skin texture.  Avocados are related to the cinnamon plant family.

Did You Know?

Avocado is technically a berry.

Recipes Using Avocado

Watch Our Cooking Videos Using Avocados

Avocado Salsa (Salsa de Aguacates)

Avocado Salsa (salsa de aguacate) with tomatillos image
Avocado Salsa Recipe, Video

Authentic Guacamole

how to make authentic guacamole
How To Make Authentic Guacamole

Tuna Salad Sandwich with Avocado

Create a new way to enjoy tuna salad sandwiches. Open and drain a can of tuna and place in a bowl. Use a fork to separate the tuna. Using a cutting board, slice an avocado in half around the pit. Twist the halves apart and use the half without the pit. Score the fruit and scoop out the slices with a spoon. Mash the avocado with a fork and mix with the tuna. Sprinkle in black pepper and serve over bread.

Homemade Guacamole

Combine fresh ingredients for a delicious dip. Mash avocado, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix in red onions, a small jalapeño, cilantro, garlic, and roma tomatoes. Top with lime juice and serve at room temperature with tortilla chips.

Avocado Toast

Add some variety to your breakfast toast with avocado. Smash half of an avocado over two pieces of toast. Top with red pepper flakes, garlic, and cilantro. For an even more delicious breakfast, top with a poached egg.

Cheeseburger with Avocado

Dress up your regular cheeseburger with avocado. Grill your burger with jack cheese and place on a bun. Top with sliced tomatoes, crispy bacon, and sliced avocado.


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