Excited to buy your next batch of avocados? Any exciting avocado-based plans in mind?
1. You can tell how ripe an avocado is without peeling it.
Check under the "button" or stem at the top – if the flesh is green, you're golden, but if it's brown, the avocado is past its prime. You can also try by pressing the outer skin gently. A ripe avocado should have as much give as your forearm.
2. The pits are easy to remove using a knife – you won't make a mess!
Cut the avocado lengthwise, then lodge the bottom of a strong knife into the pit. Twist it slightly to make sure it's firmly stuck in it, then pull the pit out. As always, be careful pulling the knife out of the pit.
3. Store avocados on the counter in paper bags to ripen them quicker.
For even faster results, store apples or bananas with them. They release ethylene, a compound that helps fruit ripen. They should be good to eat within a few days!
4. Avocados are great to help moisturize your skin.
The natural oils of avocados are fantastic for your skin and easily penetrate and moisturize. Just spread mashed avocado over your skin for 10-15 minutes, wash off with some lukewarm water, then pat dry and voila!
5. Need a quick breakfast but out of dishes? Make eggocado!
Really, you don't need an excuse for this positively delicious combo. Just cook an egg inside half of an avocado.
6. Already cut into an avocado but don't need it? Store them in lemon juice!
Alternately, you can also use apple cider, vinegar or just wrap them in saran wrap. Using one of these methods and storing them in the fridge will help keep them from browning.
7. Need that avocado ripened right away? Bake it in the oven.
If you need it in a matter of minutes rather than days, just put that avocado in your oven wrapped in foil and bake it for 10 minutes. Then place it in the fridge for 10 minutes. By the end it should be soft enough for your needs.
8. Use avocados to help treat sunburns.
With summer fun, there is always the threat of a nasty sunburn. Help take away some of the sting by applying avocado directly to the burnt area.
9. If you need to store them long term, use the freezer.
Maybe you need them longer than a few days, so lemon juice won't work. Just cut them lengthwise, remove the pit, tightly saran wrap them and put them in a freezer bag, and let the freezer do the rest of the work for you. When you need them again, let them thaw out in the fridge.
10. Use avocados to reduce wrinkles.
Avocado face masks have many benefits, one of which being that it is relatively cheap. And for the price, it does wonders for fine lines and other signs of aging.
11. You can still make use of overripe or bruised avocados.
These avocados still have uses, such as a replacement for butter and eggs in baking (super handy for the vegetarians and vegans in our lives) or for certain recipes, such as avocado truffles.
12. Avocados are great to treat your hair.
Another use for avocados (including the above mentioned old and bruised ones) is to make excellent hair masks, with ingredients as simple as olive oil, honey, or eggs. And really, it works magic on your hair-health.
Time for an avocado party! Which of these hints are you excited for the most?
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