Creamy, rich, and naturally satisfying, avocados bring delicious flavor and texture to plant-forward meals. Slice them onto toast, mash them into guacamole, or blend them into a smooth dressing. From colorful salads and grain bowls to hearty wraps, a little avocado adds a lovely finishing touch.
The Health Benefits of Avocados
Avocados are known for their monounsaturated fats, which can help lower LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol when they replace foods high in saturated fat. They also provide fiber, potassium, folate, and vitamin E. Their combination of fiber and fat makes them a satisfying addition to meals, while their creamy texture offers an easy alternative to butter on toast or in sandwiches. There’s plenty to love about a food that brings both nourishment and flavor to your plate. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
How To Buy Avocados
Choose avocados with intact skin and no deep dents or soft, sunken spots. If you’re ready to enjoy one today, look for an avocado that yields slightly to gentle pressure without feeling mushy. Buying for later in the week? Pick firmer fruit and let it ripen at home. Skin color varies by variety, so firmness is a better guide than color alone.
How To Store Avocados
Let firm avocados ripen at room temperature, checking them daily. To help speed things along, place them in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana. Ripening may still take a few days, depending on how firm the fruit is when you buy it. Once ripe, move avocados to the refrigerator and enjoy them within about 3–4 days.
Wait to cut an avocado until you’re ready to use it. To save a leftover portion, brush the exposed flesh with a little lemon or lime juice, then press plastic wrap directly against the cut surface or place it in a snug, airtight container. Refrigerate promptly. An avocado keeper can also help limit air exposure, although some browning may still occur.
How To Prepare Avocados
Wash the avocado under running water before cutting. On a stable cutting board, carefully slice it lengthwise around the pit, then gently twist the halves apart. Use a spoon to lift out the pit, and scoop the flesh from the skin. Slice it for toast and sandwiches, dice it for salads, or mash it into your favorite dip. A squeeze of lemon or lime adds brightness and helps slow browning.
Looking for more plant-forward basics? Visit our Nutrition Guide.