Avocados have gained a lot of popularity in the past few years and for good reason, but not everyone is familiar with the fruit. Those eating avocado for the first time may wonder if it is okay to eat it raw.
Can avocado be eaten raw?
Yes! Avocado is perfectly safe to be eaten in its natural state and it is extremely healthy for us! It does not have to be cooked, but it can be if you prefer it that way.
There are a few tips and tricks that can make preparing and eating a raw avocado quick and easy.
Avocados are packed full of healthy nutrients that can benefit most of us, but many people have never tried it before.
The more you learn about the benefits of raw avocado, its unique taste, and how to prepare it, the more likely you will be to try it out for yourself. Trust me, if you try it, there is a good chance you will like it!
Nutrition Information
Raw avocado contains several nutrients that are good for you. They contain unsaturated fats that can actually help to decrease your bad cholesterol levels.
Plain, raw avocado contains 80-100 calories, as well as fiber, potassium, and vitamins K, B, and E. Avocados are so good for you, in fact, it is almost like it is bad for you to not eat avocado regularly.
Benefits of Eating Raw Avocado
Raw avocado offers a number of healthy benefits. The potassium in an avocado helps to promote cardiovascular health and keeps your heart functioning properly. Avocados surprisingly contain more potassium on average than a banana.
Avocados also provide nutrients that are good for your vision, immune system, and blood. They contain folate, which is great for your mood and also good for reproductive health.
Avocados can help with internal inflammation issues and are a great defense against high LDL cholesterol levels.
How to Tell if a Raw Avocado is Ripe
The trick to determining when an avocado is ripe is a combination of visual overview and physical touch.
Ripe avocados will have darker colored peelings and will give a little when you squeeze them. Unripe avocados will be very hard and the peel will be lighter in color.
Once opened, the avocado flesh should be soft but stay in place. It should get greener closer to the outer edge but lighten to a pale yellow as it gets closer to the pit.
Rotten avocados will be extremely mushy when you press on them and will probably have dark spots when opened.
How to Cut and Eat Raw Avocado
- Once you know the avocado is ripe, set the avocado on a cutting board the long way. Note, there is a pit in the middle of the avocado that you will not be able to cut through.
- Place one hand on top of the avocado to hold it in place. Take the knife and cut the avocado in half the long way, stopping as you reach the pit. Once you hit the pit, use the hand holding the avocado to turn it so that you cut the avocado in half, besides the pit.
- Set the knife down in a safe place. The avocado will remain intact, but you know that you have cut it in half. Place one hand on each of the two sides you cut apart and twist in the opposite direction.
- Pull the two halves apart. Use a spoon to remove the pit.
- If you want to mush up the avocado, you can remove it with a spoon. If you want to cut it into slices, you can slice the flesh in squares or strips without cutting the peeling. Remove the peel after cutting. You can also remove the peeling first and then cut as you want it.
- You can eat the greenish-yellow fleshy portion of the avocado just as it is, in its raw state. You can add spices and make guacamoles or use it as a topping on salads, sandwiches, eggs, or toast.
What Does Avocado Taste Like?
Avocado, for most people, does not have a very strong flavor, which is why it complements so many different foods.
Although it is technically a fruit, it is not sweet but it is creamy and soft. Some describe it as having a very fresh, earthy taste whiles others compare it to butter.
How to Store Unused Raw Avocado
Unfortunately, the fleshy inside part of an avocado will start to turn brown once oxygen hits it.
If you want to save part of the avocado for a later meal and prevent darkening, you can leave it in the peeling and turn it flesh side down on a small amount of olive oil. You can also drizzle it with some lemon juice and cover immediately and store in the refrigerator.
5 Simple Raw Avocado Recipes
Guacamole Dip
Yes, avocados are used to make guacamole dip!
To make your own simple raw avocado guacamole, cut, peel, and lightly mash 2 medium-sized avocados. Add fresh diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, the juice from a lime, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix together and voila!
Avocado and Toast
Avocado and fresh toast make a superb combination. Toast your favorite bread, drizzle some olive oil on it, and top with avocado slices, mashed avocado, or guacamole.
Squeeze a small amount of lemon juice on top, then salt and pepper to taste. To make it extra healthy, use whole grain bread.
Avocado and Eggs
Prepare eggs the way that you prefer them. Slice the avocado as directed previously or mash up if you prefer a softer texture. Spread on top of the eggs and use salt and pepper to add a little flavor!
Turkey Bacon Avocado Sandwich
Prepare a turkey and bacon sandwich using bread, turkey, fresh crispy bacon, and your condiments of choice.
Add a layer of mashed avocado or avocado slices and enjoy! The avocado really compliments the bacon on most sandwiches.
Avocado Smoothie
If you do not necessarily love avocado or its texture, then a smoothie with avocado in it may be the best way for you to get the health benefits from this fruit.
This avocado smoothie recipe sounds amazing! Blend 2 teaspoons of chia seeds if desired, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of fresh cut ginger, a peeled and chopped ripe mango, half of an avocado (fleshly part only), a cup of cubed ice and a dab of honey.
Final Thoughts
Avocados are not only good for you, they also go great with a variety of foods including tacos. They are easy to prepare and super easy to eat.
They benefit your health tremendously and most people seem to really enjoy them. If you have never tried them before, give avocados a chance and you may have a new favorite fruit!
Resources
Learning about the health benefits of eating raw avocado is easy. Here are the sources used specifically to craft this article.