Nutritional Benefits of Avocadoes
An avocado is a fruit that grows on trees. It is oval in shape and has a green or black skin. The flesh of an avocado is yellowish-green and has a creamy texture. Avocados are often used in salads and as a spread on sandwiches.
Avocados are a good source of vitamins C, E, and K. They also contain antioxidants and fiber. Avocados have been shown to improve heart health, lower cholesterol, and protect against diabetes.
Step 1: Slice Around and Twist Apart
To remove the pit from an avocado, start by slicing around it with a sharp knife. Cut all the way around the pit, being careful not to cut yourself. Then, twist the avocado halves in opposite directions to release the pit. You may need to wiggle the knife a bit to get it started. Once the pit is released, you can remove it by holding the avocado half in your hand and twisting the pit out.
Step 2: Remove Avocado Pit
To remove an avocado pit, first cut the avocado in half lengthwise around the seed. Then, using a large spoon or your hands, scoop out the pit. If the pit is stubborn, you can score it with a knife and then twist to release it. Be careful not to damage the flesh of the avocado as you do this. Once the pit is removed, you can then proceed to step three.
Step 3: Peel the Avocado
Use your fingers to peel off the skin. Once the skin is removed, you can slice the avocado as desired. Note: if you're planning on dicing it - you can first directly slice the avocado into cubes in the peel. Just gently slice hold one half with your hand and make gentle cuts with the other, going first lengthwise, then crosswise. Now peel.
Step 4: Slice or Dice the Avocado
To slice or dice the avocado, first cut it in half lengthwise. Then, remove the pit and skin. To slice, make lengthwise cuts perpendicular to the ones you just made. To dice, make crosswise cuts perpendicular to the ones you just made.
How to Cut Avocado for Sushi
Avocado is a great addition to sushi. It's creamy texture contrasts well with the rice and fish. To cut avocado for sushi, start by slicing the avocado in half length-wise. Then, remove the pit from the center of each half. Peel off as gently as possible whilst leaving the avocado half intact. Now place the avocado on a cutting board so it's laying flat. Cut very thin slices and fan them out gently by pressing on it with your fingers.
How to Cut Avocado for Guacamole
If you're going to smash your avocado for guacamole - after step 1 and step 2, you can simply scoop it out with a large spoon and throw away (or compost!) the peel. Or, alternatively you can be fancy and cut them into cubes directly in the peel (see motion video below) before scooping them out.
Best Chef knife & Cutting boards
A good chef knife and cutting board are essential for any kitchen. A cutting board provides a safe and stable surface to chop, dice, and mince ingredients, while a good chef knife will make quick work of any prep work.
You want a handy cutting board that provides enough surface area for this job - we recommend our small 8x12 cutting board for this task. As for a chef knife, choose one that is comfortable to hold and has a sharp blade, such as our made-in-USA stainless steel chef knife.
Related: want a more versatile cutting board? see our entire collection here.
How to Stop Avocado Going Brown
To prevent your avocado from browning, start by storing it in a cool, dark place. If you need to speed up the ripening process, put it in a paper bag with a banana or an apple. Once it's ripe, use it immediately or store it in the fridge. To keep it from browning, squeeze lemon or lime juice over it or brush it with olive oil before refrigerating.
How to Tell if an Avocado is Ripe
To tell if an avocado is ripe, gently press on the skin with our thumb. If it yields to pressure and feels soft but not mushy, then the avocado is perfectly ripe and ready to be cut. If it's visible, you can also check to see if the stem at the top of the avocado is brown; if it is, then the avocado is probably ripe.
Tips For Ripening Avocados
To ripen an avocado, place it in a paper bag with a banana or an apple. The ethylene gas emitted by the fruit will help the avocado to ripen faster. If you want to speed up the process even more, add a ripe avocado to the bag as well. Check on the avocados every day and once they're ripe, eat them immediately or store them in the fridge for a few days.
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