Avocados are a beloved fruit known for their creamy texture and health benefits. However, many people make common mistakes when preparing and consuming them. Here’s a summary of the biggest errors to avoid:

Letting the Flesh Oxidize One of the most frequent mistakes is allowing avocado flesh to oxidize, which causes it to turn brown. This process begins as soon as the fruit is exposed to air. To prevent this, only slice avocados just before consumption. If you need to prepare them in advance, tightly cover the flesh with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.

Using Under-Ripe Avocados Using avocados that are not ripe can lead to a tough texture and unappealing taste. For recipes like guacamole, it’s essential to choose avocados that are soft to the touch but not overly mushy. A ripe avocado should yield slightly when pressed gently.

Using Too-Ripe Avocados Conversely, using overripe avocados can result in a gummy texture that makes it difficult to achieve clean slices. When selecting avocados for slicing, look for ones that are firm but have some give when squeezed gently.

Just Slicing and Serving While avocados can be enjoyed plain, they can also be enhanced through cooking methods such as grilling or frying. Grilling adds a delightful charred flavor; just brush the cut sides with oil and grill for about 30 seconds on high heat.

Skimping on Seasoning Avocados have a rich, fatty flavor that can become overwhelming without proper seasoning. Adding salt and acidic components like lime juice or vinegar helps balance their creaminess and enhances overall flavor.

Not Washing Your Avocado Many people skip washing their avocados because they don’t eat the skin; however, this is a mistake. The skin can harbor bacteria from handling during transport and display at stores. Washing your avocado under running water before cutting it reduces the risk of cross-contamination.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can enjoy avocados at their best—whether in salads, spreads, or simply on toast.