Picking Out Avocados - Tip of the Day

by Adeena Sussman, Posted Feb 15th 2010 @ 9:00AM

Avocados are at their peak right now, so take this opportunity to use them in a variety of salads, sandwiches and even baked goods.

guacamole Photo: elana's pantry, Flickr

Not quite sure what to look for when shopping for avocados? We prefer Hass, the bumpy, dark, green-skinned variety typically grown in Mexico and California. They have gorgeous light-green flesh and a nutty, rich flavor (the smooth-skinned, larger variety tends to be watery, fibrous and less concentrated in flavor). Look for avocados that are still firm, but yield slightly when pressed gently with a finger. To keep sliced avocados (and guacamole) from turning grey or brown, brush surfaces with lemon juice then wrap in plastic, making sure the plastic is touching as much of the avocado flesh as possible – it's exposure to air that causes oxidation and discoloration.

Filed Under: Tip of the Day, How To
Tags: avocado, avocado tips, avocados, AvocadoTips, guacamole