This post shows you with step by step photos as well as a video on how to cut an avocado safely. We also cover how to tell if an avocado is ripe, different ways to slice it, and delicious recipes to make with avocado!
Avocado is one of our favorite ingredients - from avocado hummus to this avocado salsa, there is so much you can do with this healthy fruit!
This simple technique for how to cut an avocado is so easy! Make the most out of every last piece of your avocado with this simple technique.
Avocados can be sliced, diced, or mashed. They add lots of creamy texture and a subtle nutty flavor to many delicious recipes, and we're sharing lots of ideas for how to use them in this post. We're also sharing tips for storage, freezing, and how to ripen your avocados quickly!
You'll Love these tips, including:
- how to tell if your avocado is ripe - without cutting it!
- how to safely cut an avocado
- avocado FAQ, and avocado recipes!
Recipe Video
Watch the video below to see how I cut an avocado. It’s so easy! You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel, or on Facebook.
How to tell if an avocado is ripe
Did you know that you can tell if an avocado is ripe, without even cutting into it?! Here's how to tell:
- Color - If it is green, it's most likely not ready to serve. Brown? It could be ripe. Black and wrinkly? It may be overripe.
- Feel - Give it a gentle squeeze: if the avocado feels quite firm, it may need a few more days. Slightly soft? It could be ready. Very soft? You may have missed the window.
- Remove stem - Pull out the stem: if the stem does not want to come out, it is likely not ready. If the stem comes out and it is a nice bright green underneath, it looks perfect! If it is brown under the stem, your avocado may be overripe.
To sum up - If the avocado is a nice brown color, soft to squeeze, and the stem comes out with a nice green color underneath, all signs point to a perfect, ripe avocado!
How to cut an avocado
For a long time, I cut avocados in the palm of my hand, unprotected. I have had a few close calls and knew it was time to change my technique! Here's how to safely cut an avocado:
Cut
Protect your hand with a dishtowel. Work a paring knife around the avocado. Then, twist the avocado and pull it apart.
Remove pit
Use a large, sharp knife and hit the pit with it. Twist and pull the pit out.
Tip - we recommend using a paring knife to cut around the avocado and a good chef's knife
to cut the pit out.
Slice
Slice the avocado lengthwise (still protecting your hand with the tea towel).
Tip - You can also peel the avocado, and place it pit-side down on the cutting board to get perfect, thin slices.
Scoop
Scoop out the slices with a spoon.
Cutting techniques
After removing the pit, you can cut your avocado in all sorts of shapes:
- Cubes- perfect for avocado salsa, or serving in a salad
- Slices- perfect for serving on toast, or on the side of a salad
- Mashed- perfect for guacamole, or serving on toast
FAQ
Yes you can! I freeze mine and use them in my favorite Matcha Avocado Smoothie. Freeze/thawed avocados are not great for fresh recipes like guacamole or serving on a salad. They may be OK to put in a blended sauce or salad dressing but I have not tested.
Leftover avocados will turn brown quickly, but with a few tips you can extend their life! First, do not remove the pit. Secondly, cover with cling wrap and refrigerate. Thirdly, keep away from ripe fruit as this will turn them brown even quicker.
If I am trying to ripen them quickly, I make sure to place them near ripe fruit (like bananas). You can also place them in a paper bag with ripe fruit, which accelerates the ripening process even quicker. Apparently, baking underripe avocados with foil helps them soften up, but I haven't tried this.
Avocado recipes
Looking for some easy avocado recipes? I've got you covered!
- Creamy Avocado Hummus
- Matcha Avocado Smoothie
- Sweet Potato Noodles + Avocado Sauce
- Avocado Caprese Chicken Quesadillas
- Avocado Caesar Salad
- Chili Rubbed Salmon + Avocado Salsa
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
How to Cut an Avocado
Ingredients
- 1 avocado (ripe)
Instructions
- Slice- Protecting your hand with a thick tea towel, cup the avocado firmly, and work a paring knife around the outside of the avocado until you have cut it in half.
- Twist- Twist gently until the avocado separates into two halves.
- Remove Pit- Hold the side of the avocado with the pit firmly in your tea towel-protected hand. With a sharp chef's knife, firmly hit the avocado pit with the knife, so it goes into the pit. Twist and remove the pit.
- Slice- Still protecting your hand with the tea towel, slice strips into the avocado without cutting through the skin.
- Scoop- Scoop out the avocado with a spoon, and enjoy.
- Alternate- You can also peel the avocado and slice it on a cutting board.
Video
Nutrition Information
© Sweet Peas & Saffron - Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Sally says
I've cut my hand badly cutting an avocado before, thanks for sharing this trick to protect your hand!
Denise Bustard says
Oh no! I can see how easy it would be to cut your hand without the towel. Hopefully this prevents someone else from the same issue 🙁