Handling Avocados

Thoroughly wash the fruit before you slice it.

Peeling an avocado
1. Cut a ripe avocado lengthwise around the seed.
2. Rotate the halves to separate.
3. Remove the seed by sliding the tip of a spoon gently underneath and lifting out.

The most common way of extracting the seed by striking it with a knife and twisting - requires some skill and is not recommended.

Peel the fruit by placing the cut side down and removing the skin with a knife or your fingers, starting at the small end. Or simply scoop out the avocado meat with a spoon. Be sure to sprinkle all cut surfaces with lemon or lime juice or white vinegar to prevent discoloration.

Freezing avocados

When you have an abundance of fresh avocados, consider freezing them. Pureed avocados freeze very well and can be used in salads, sandwiches and dips.
Wash, seed and peel the fruit as described above.
Puree the flesh, adding one tablespoon of lemon juice for each two pureed avocados. Pack the puree into an air-tight container, leaving 1 inch of headspace.
Seal and label the containers.
Freeze and use within four to five months.