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Learn how to cut an avocado, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh. This easy guide also covers how to check for ripeness and store leftovers.
How To Prepare An Avocado
I’m sharing my homemade guacamole recipe soon, and before that, I wanted to show you how I prepare an avocado. If you’ve ever been unsure about how to tell if an avocado is ripe or how to cut one open without squashing the flesh, I’ve put together this guide to help. I’ll show you what I look for when choosing an avocado and how I check if it’s ready to use.
I’ll also walk you through how I remove the pit, scoop out the flesh with a spoon, and slice or dice it, depending on what I’m making. Learning how to prepare an avocado is useful for more than just making guacamole. I use these same basic steps when preparing avocado toast, adding avocado to salads and sandwiches, or using it in other recipes.
How To Check If An Avocado Is Ripe
When choosing an avocado, I like to check how firm it feels rather than relying on its color alone. Here are two simple ways to tell if an avocado is ready to eat:
- Gently press the avocado: Gently press the skin with your fingers. A ripe avocado should give slightly but still feel firm. If it’s very hard, it’s not quite ripe yet. If it feels mushy or has noticeable soft spots, it may be overripe.
- Check the stem: Gently remove the small stem at the top of the avocado. If the flesh underneath is green, it’s usually ripe and ready to eat. If it’s brown, the avocado may be overripe. If the stem doesn’t come off easily, it likely needs more time to ripen.
Pro Tip: Try not to press the avocado too hard, as this can bruise the flesh.
How To Cut An Avocado
Place the avocado on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice lengthwise around the pit, turning the avocado as you cut so you go all the way around.
Pro Tip: Use a sharp knife to get a clean cut through the skin and flesh. A dull knife may require more pressure, making it harder to cut smoothly.
Twist the two halves in opposite directions to separate them. One half will have the pit attached.
Carefully tap a sturdy knife into the pit, then twist to loosen and lift it out. Keep your fingers away from the blade while doing this.
Pro Tip: Make sure the knife is firmly lodged in the pit before twisting. This makes it easier to loosen and remove.
Slide a spoon between the skin and flesh, following the curve of the avocado. Gently scoop out the flesh from each half. Try to keep the flesh in one piece if you plan to slice it.
Now that the avocado flesh is out of the skin, you’re ready to prepare it for whatever you’re making.
How to Store Avocado
Once you cut an avocado, the exposed flesh starts to brown when it comes into contact with air. If you only need half an avocado or have some leftovers after preparing a recipe, store them in the refrigerator. Here are a few ways to store avocado, depending on how much you’ve prepared:
- Cut avocado half with the pit: Leave the pit in the unused half and cover the cut surface tightly with cling wrap, pressing it directly against the flesh. Refrigerate and use within 1–2 days.
- Cut avocado half without the pit: Cover the exposed flesh tightly with cling wrap, pressing it against the surface. Refrigerate and use within 1–2 days.
- Peeled avocado flesh: Place it in an airtight container, cover, and refrigerate. This is a good option if you plan to mash it later for guacamole.
- Sliced or diced avocado: Transfer the pieces to an airtight container, cover, and refrigerate. Use within a day for the best texture.
Pro Tip #1: Press Cling Wrap Against the Surface
For an avocado half, press the cling wrap directly against the cut surface so there are no air pockets between the wrap and the flesh. This limits exposure to air and helps slow browning. Some discoloration may still occur during storage.
Pro Tip #2: Add a Little Lime Juice
Lime or lemon juice helps slow browning because its acidity slows oxidation. Brush a little juice over the exposed flesh of an avocado half, or gently toss sliced or diced avocado with it before storing.
How To Cut An Avocado
Ingredients
- avocado
Instructions
- Place the avocado on a cutting board. Slice lengthwise around the pit.
- Twist the two halves in opposite directions to separate.
- Carefully tap a sturdy knife into the pit, then twist to loosen and lift it out. Keep your fingers away from the blade.
- Slide a spoon between the skin and flesh, following the curve of the avocado. Gently scoop out the flesh from each half.
- The avocado is now ready to slice, dice, or use to make guacamole.
