Avocados are creamy fruits that are used in many different ways. Some people add them to savory dishes like salads and sandwiches, while others enjoy them in desserts or drinks.
In the Philippines, avocados are often eaten sweet, usually mixed with milk and sugar. In many other places, they're more commonly used in savory dishes like guacamole and avocado toast.
In this post, you'll learn how to pick avocados, how to ripen them, how to store them, and how to use them.
Jump to:
What is an Avocado?
An avocado is a fruit with creamy green flesh and a large seed in the center. It grows on trees and is used in many cuisines around the world.
The most common type sold in grocery stores is the Hass avocado. It has dark, bumpy skin and becomes soft and creamy when ripe.
In the Philippines, avocados are usually larger and stay green even when ripe. They have a milder flavor and are often used in sweet desserts, sometimes mixed with milk and sugar.
Avocados can be eaten on their own or added to many dishes, both sweet and savory.
Types of Avocados
There are many types of avocados, but two you'll often see are Hass avocados and the larger green avocados common in the Philippines.
Hass avocados
Hass avocados are the most common type sold in many grocery stores.
They are smaller with thick, bumpy skin that turns dark purple or almost black when ripe. The flesh is rich, creamy, and slightly nutty in flavor.
Philippine avocados
Avocados grown in the Philippines are usually larger with smooth green skin. Unlike Hass avocados, the skin usually stays green even when ripe.
The flesh is softer and less creamy, with a milder flavor. Because of this, they are often used in sweet desserts, sometimes mixed with milk and sugar.
How to Pick Avocados
When choosing avocados, gently press the fruit with your fingers.
- Ripe avocados should feel slightly soft but not mushy.
- Hard avocados are not ripe yet and need a few days.
- Avoid ones with large soft spots, dents, or cracks.
For Hass avocados, the skin usually turns darker when ripe.
For green varieties, the color may stay green even when ripe, so it's better to check by gently pressing them.
If you're not planning to use them right away, choose firmer avocados and let them ripen at home.
How to Store and Ripen Avocados
If your avocado is ripe but you're not ready to use it, place it in the refrigerator. The cold temperature slows down ripening and helps it stay fresh a little longer.
If the avocado is still hard, you can let them ripen at room temperature until it softens. Most avocados ripen in 2 to 4 days.
To speed things up, place the avocado in a paper bag with a banana or apple. These fruits release a natural gas that helps avocados ripen faster.
If you have a cut avocado, keep the pit in the unused half if possible. Wrap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator.
You can also brush the cut surface with lemon or lime juice to help slow browning.
How to Cut an Avocado
Use a sharp knife to slice the avocado lengthwise around the pit.
Hold the avocado and twist the two halves apart.
To remove the pit, carefully tap it with your knife and twist to lift it out. You can also scoop it out with a spoon.
To remove the flesh, either scoop it out with a spoon or gently peel off the skin.
If you want slices or cubes, score the flesh with a knife first, then scoop it out.
Avocado Recipes
In the Philippines, avocados are often used in sweet desserts and drinks. Here are some popular ways to enjoy them:
- Avocado and milk: A simple Filipino dessert made with sliced avocado, milk, and ice.
- Avocado shake: A creamy drink with avocado, milk, sugar, and ice.
- Avocado ice cream: A creamy frozen dessert made with avocado and milk or cream.
- Avocado ice candy: A frozen treat made by blending avocado with milk and sugar, then freezing it in plastic tubes.
- Avocado toast: Mashed avocado spread on toasted bread, often topped with eggs or extra virgin olive oil.
FAQs About Avocados
A ripe avocado should feel slightly soft when gently pressed, but not mushy. If it feels very hard, it needs more time to ripen.
Yes. Avocados are usually eaten raw. They can be sliced, mashed, or added to dishes like salads, sandwiches, and desserts.
Avocado turns brown when the flesh is exposed to air. This is a natural reaction called oxidation. Adding lemon or lime juice can help slow this down.
Whole ripe avocados can last about 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Cut avocados should be wrapped well and used within 1 to 2 days.
Yes. Avocados can be frozen, but the texture becomes softer after thawing. They are best used for smoothies, dips, or spreads after freezing.
More Filipino Food Guide
Did you like this post? I would love to know! Your feedback helps me make better recipes. Please rate, review, or comment below. Questions about this post are welcome, too!
Let's connect on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Twitter, and Youtube. Be sure to tag me when you try any of my recipes @recipesbynora!
Ryan says
I love Hass avocado. Guacamole is my favorite.
Nora Rey says
Oh, I'm with you on that! Hass avocados are simply the best, and guacamole is an absolute favorite! 🥑🍅🍋