Avocados are delicious and nutritious, but cutting them can be tricky if you've never done it before. Don't worry! This guide will walk you through the process step by step.
What You'll Need
- A ripe avocado
- A sharp knife
- A spoon
- A cutting board
Steps to Cut an Avocado
1. Wash the avocado
First, give your avocado a quick rinse under cool water. This removes any dirt or bacteria on the skin.
2. Cut the avocado in half
- Place the avocado on your cutting board.
- Hold the avocado steady with one hand.
- With your other hand, carefully cut the avocado lengthwise around the seed.
- Turn the avocado as you cut to go all the way around.
3. Separate the halves
- Twist the two halves apart.
- One half will have the seed, the other will be empty.
4. Remove the seed
- For the half with the seed:
- Carefully tap the knife into the seed so it sticks.
- Twist the knife gently to pop the seed out.
- Or, use a spoon to scoop out the seed if you're not comfortable using a knife.
5. Scoop out the flesh
- Hold the avocado half in your hand or place it on the cutting board.
- Use a spoon to scoop around the edge, separating the flesh from the skin.
- Scoop out the entire half in one piece if possible.
6. Slice or dice (optional)
- If you want slices: Make lengthwise cuts in the avocado half.
- For cubes: Make lengthwise cuts, then crosswise cuts.
7. Nutrition (Per Serving)
- 216 Calories
- 20g Fat
- 11g Carbs
- 3g Protein
8. Enjoy!
Your avocado is now ready to eat. Add it to your favorite dishes or enjoy it on its own!
Tips
- Choose a ripe avocado.
- Be careful with the knife: Avocado injuries are more common than you might think!
- If you're not using the whole avocado, leave the seed in the unused half to help keep it fresh.
Now you're an avocado-cutting pro! Enjoy your perfectly cut avocado in sandwiches, salads, or as guacamole.
How to tell if an avocado is ripe
To check if an avocado is ripe, gently squeeze it in your palm. A ripe avocado will yield to soft pressure without feeling mushy. The color should be dark green to nearly black, but this alone isn't always reliable. You can also check under the stem: if it comes off easily and is green underneath, the avocado is ripe. If it's brown, it may be overripe, and if the stem doesn't come off, it's not ripe yet. Remember, a perfectly ripe avocado should feel slightly soft but not squishy when gently pressed.