14 helpful hacks that avocado lovers need to know

Or, ripen an avocado faster by wrapping it in foil and baking it in the oven for a few minutes

The foil trick is one of the greatest hacks there is. All you need to do is wrap your unripe avocado in foil, put it in the oven, and bake it at 200 degrees for around 10 minutes.

Remove the stem to see if it's ripe

There's nothing worse than cutting into an avocado only to realise that it's not ripe enough for eating, or that it's gone bad.

If you're unsure about the ripeness of your avocado, pull the stem out of the avocado and test the color. If it's green or yellow, it's ripe. If it's brown, it has gone bad. 

Wash your avocado before cutting it open and eating it

It may sound strange to wash an avocado considering it has thick skin, but, like any other fruit or vegetable you eat, it needs to be cleaned. If you don't, you could be pushing bacteria into the fruit when cutting into it, which could cause food poisoning. 

Cut it crosswise instead of lengthwise

You've probably been cutting your avocado vertically rather than horizontally, but there are pros to switching up your technique. Cutting a ripe avocado crosswise will allow you to squeeze the pit out without using a knife or spoon.

Keep avocados from browning with a lemon or onion

If you only want to use part of your avocado, save the rest of it by squeezing lemon juice onto it, or storing it with an onion. Either trick will keep it from browning — citric acid is a strong antioxidant, while the gases released from a cut onion prevent oxidation.

Keep the pit in for extra freshness. 

Use avocados to make less fattening baked goods

Avocados are a great substitute for butter as well as oil, meaning that you can make low-fat as well as vegan baked goods by using them. They will taste just as great, but be much healthier! 

Turn your avocado into a rose

Making a rose avocado might seem reserved for chefs and professionals, but it's easier than you think. For the most Instagram-worthy piece of toast, all you need to do is lay half an avocado, cut side down, on a chopping board, and then slice it super thinly. Then, press down on it, fan the slices out, and roll.

Replace the mayo in your tuna or egg salad with an avocado

Maybe you hate mayonnaise, or maybe you're just looking to eat healthier. Either way, using an avocado instead of mayo in your tuna or egg salad is the way to go. This healthy hack will give you the creaminess you love without the calories. 

Shave it for a more decorative toast

Avocado toast has taken over Instagram feeds and menus the world over, but a surefire way to show them all up is by shaving your avocado rather than mashing it or slicing it. This trendy, easy to do trick is as beautiful as it is tasty. 

Grow your own avocado tree with the pit

Avocados are expensive, so wouldn't growing your very own avocado tree be nice? All you need to do is have the pit hover over water (piercing it with a toothpick is a good idea) until a sprout grows. Then plant the pit and wait. 

Cut sugar by replacing bananas in your smoothie with an avocado

Smoothies are the perfect way to start the day, but many are jam-packed with sugar. To easily cut down on your daily sugar intake, use an avocado. You'll get the same nutrients, a similarly creamy consistency, but less sugar.

Use sliced avocado for healthier fries

Whether you're looking to satisfy a craving or simply want to switch up your avocado eating methods, avocado fries are a must. You can bake them, fry them, or wrap them in bacon. 

Make an avocado face mask

Avocado is not just good for your health, but your skin too. Simply mash an avocado with some honey for a face mask that is said to soothe, smooth, and hydrate your skin.