Behold - The Avocado!

by Catherine Ipcizade | More from this Blogger

14 May 2006 03:22 PM

For some reason I've been craving avocados lately. No, I'm not pregnant, at least not to my knowledge, but the creamy green goodness has been on my mind at nearly every mealtime for the past week! It all started a week ago when I diced up an avocado and added it to my sandwich. Suddenly I started wanting guacamole, taco salad with avocado, avocado-tomato salad......everything avocado.

Do you love avocados as much as I do? Or have you never tried an avocado? Then read on because I'll help you pick 'em, open 'em, and prepare 'em in ways that will make your tongue tingle with delight!

How to Choose an Avocado:

When you're choosing an avocado, you want to look for one that is tender to the touch if you're going to use it the same day. You can buy a firmer avocado if you're not going to use it for a few days. Never buy a mushy avocado because it's past its ripeness. When in doubt, remove the small stub at the top - if the avocado inside is green, you're good to go. If it's black, keep looking - the avocado is bad.

How to Store an Avocado:

To help them ripen, store avocados in a brown paper sack in a dark area. They'll ripen in no time. You'll need to use them within a few days though to avoid over-ripening. Storing avocados in the fridge isn't generally a good idea, although a few days won't likely hurt anything.

To Open an Avocado:

Use a small paring knife and work your way around the avocado lengthwise. Twist with both hands to open the avocado. To remove the large seed in the center - hold the avocado in one hand (protect your hand with a towel) then use your other hand to hit the seed with a knife blade. Twist the knife blade and the seed will come right out.

Use a spoon to scoop out the inside of the avocado. Carefully slide your spoon around the outer perimeter then lift the flesh out.

Why Does Avocado Turn Brown?

Essentially, it's like an apple. When air hits it and the avocado becomes discolored. You can avoid or at least limit this browning by squeezing lemon or lime juice on the avocado. If you're storing it in the fridge, place plastic wrap on the top of the avocado to avoid additional air hitting the food.

How to Serve Avocado

Avocado is delicious on just about anything. Here are some uses for it. If you'd like to see a particular recipe, drop me a note and I'll happily send the recipe your way:

Serve alone with a sprinkle of lemon or lime juice In a salad with tomato and red onion In guacamole On top of a turkey sandwich Sliced on top of a taco salad

Learn more about Catherine Ipcizade

Cathy Ipcizade is 30 years old and currently resides in Southern California. Prior to coming to California she grew up in Arizona.

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