4 Clever Uses for Avocados

I love guacamole just as much as the next person…okay, well maybe more than the next person.  But sometimes it’s way too hard to tell if the avocadoes you buy at the store are quac worthy.  What happens when you cut into them and they’re too mushy?  Too ripe?  Not quite ripe enough?  What else can you do with avocadoes?

Other uses for Avocado

1. If your avocado is fully ripe, don’t toss it.  Mash or puree it, add the yolk of one egg and a half-cup of milk and beat it all together until it’s creamy.  Use this as a facial cleanser.  Store in the fridge between uses.  Avocadoes can also be used to make lotion, moisturizer, and facial masks that will leave your skin fresh and cleansed.
2. Avocado can be used to replace butter, mayo, or other fats in hundreds of recipes.  I love it on sandwiches, salads, tuna, sushi, toast, and lots more.
3. Avocado oil is great for high temp cooking (stir fry) and can be used to replace almost any oil in any recipe.  It’s better for you and is loaded with vitamins.
4. Don’t toss that pit!  Take two or three toothpicks and insert them on opposite sides of the avocado seed.  Use your toothpicks to hold the seed half submerged in water, pointed side up (be sure to change the water once every week).  You can also plant your seed in soil; just make sure that the pointed end is sticking out of the soil about an inch.  Once your plant gets going, keep it in indirect sunlight.  They will not produce fruit, but they make a great indoor plant and can easily be moved outside if it gets too big.

*To keep avocadoes from browning, mix in 1 teaspoon citrus juice (lemon or lime work best) for every 2 avocadoes used.  Also, safe the pit and put it in the bowl with the avocado.  It will help prevent it from browning.

*Also avocado turns sour when cooked and cannot stand freezing…so eat raw and as soon as possible.

*The health benefits of avocado are outstanding.  Not only is it high in vitamins, but it’s said to have cancer-fighting nutrients, help with healing, weight loss, and lowering your cholesterol, just to name a few.

Knowledge is power!  Learn fun facts, hints and tips, and creative ways to use every day items with “The Buzz” posts on Thursday.