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Avocado

The avocado is a nutrient-rich, versatile fruit, native to Mexico and Central America. It is colloquially referred to as the alligator pear, due to its green, bumpy skin and pear-like shape. Avocados are botanically classified as a berry, featuring a single large seed encased within its creamy, buttery flesh. They are valued for their wide range of health benefits and are a staple in various cuisines around the world. Avocados contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They lend a rich and velvety texture to dishes such as guacamole, salads, smoothies, and sandwiches. In addition, avocados make a great dairy-free alternative in recipes, providing creaminess to sauces, dressings, and spreads.
#3
IN FRESH FRUIT
160
CAL / 100G
$0.19
AVG / OZ
avocado
34%
CARBS
58%
FAT
8%
PROTEIN
Avocado FAQ
Cooking with avocados may seem straightforward, but there are pitfalls to avoid and tips to achieve the best results. One of the common hiccups is not knowing how to tell when an avocado is perfectly ripe and ready-to-eat. This is important because overripe avocados can be mushy and have a bitter taste, while underripe ones are hard and lack flavor. The trick is to give the fruit a gentle squeeze; it should yield to medium pressure. Not knowing how to cut and pit an avocado can also lead to messiness and potential injury. Use a sharp knife to slice longitudinally around the avocado, twist the halves apart, and strike and twist the seed gently with the knife blade to remove it. Many people also don't realize that avocado can be used in more than just salads and guacamole. Consider adding it to smoothies for a creamy texture, or even use it as a substitute for butter in baking. Lastly, ways to prevent a cut avocado from browning is another area people often get wrong. While citrus juice can slow down the process, leaving the pit in the avocado and covering it tightly with plastic wrap is a more effective method. While avocados are a splendid addition to various dishes, remember to eat them in moderation since they are high in calories and fat (even though it's considered good fat).
Can you eat the avocado seed?
Is it okay to eat brown avocados?
Is avocado good for weight loss?
What other ways can I use avocado in the kitchen?
How can I speed up the ripening of an avocado?
How can I tell if an avocado is ripe?
How should I cut and pit an avocado?
How can I prevent a cut avocado from turning brown?
Can avocado be used in baking?
What can I do with overripe avocados?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does avocado expire?
An unopened avocado usually lasts around 4 to 7 days on the counter until it's perfectly ripe. Once cut open, avocados can go bad quickly, typically within 24 hours, especially when left at room temperature. However, storing an open avocado in the refrigerator can slow down the browning process, and it might last up to 3 days. If you have frozen avocado, you can expect it to last up to 4 to 6 months without losing quality.
How do you tell if avocado is bad?
It's easy to identify a spoiled avocado. First, you'll notice a dark discoloration in the skin. When you cut it open, the flesh inside should be a vibrant green. If it's brown or black, and especially if it has developed a mushy or moldy texture, the avocado is bad and should not be eaten. Another clear sign that an avocado has gone bad is a sour smell. Fresh avocados have a mildly sweet, earthy aroma. If the smell is strong, off-putting, or akin to rotting fruit, it is best to discard it.
Tips for storing avocado to extend shelf life
• Store avocados on the counter until they are ripe. To speed up ripening, place the avocado in a brown paper bag with a banana or an apple, as these fruits give off ethylene gas, a natural ripening agent. • Once the avocado is ripe, store it in the refrigerator to slow down the ripening process. • If you've cut the avocado and wish to store the remaining part, leave the pit in, as it helps prevent browning. Wrap it tightly in cling wrap or place it in an airtight container before refrigerating it. • To freeze avocados, mash the flesh and add a little bit of lime or lemon juice. This will prevent browning. Place the mixture in a zip-top bag, squeeze out most of the air, seal it tightly and place in the freezer.
EXPIRES WITHIN
7 - 20
DAYS
Health Info
Macros
5g
CARBS
9g
FAT
1g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
HIGH CALCIUM
VEGETARIAN
KETO
PALEO
WHOLE 30
MEDITERRANEAN
LOW CARB
VEGAN
LACTOSE FREE
GLUTEN FREE
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