Seasonality
Winter/Spring
Quick Tips
How to cook avocado
Avocados can be grilled, fried, or baked but I almost always eat them raw.
How to buy avocado
Look for avocados that have no cuts or large dents on the outside. To tell if an avocado is ripe, lightly press on the avocado. If the avocado is firm, it’s not ripe yet. If it gives quite a bit and feels mushy it spots, the avocado is too ripe. You want the avocado to barely give when pressed.
How to store avocado
Store unripe avocado at room temperature until the avocado has ripened. Then either use the avocado, or place it in the refrigerator for up to a week. The cool temperature greatly slows the ripening process.
Varieties
Hass
Bacon
Pinkerton
Reed
Zutano
About
I’ll let you in on a not-so-secret: avocados are my favorite. I can easily polish off an entire bowl of guacamole before anyone else gets a bite (which has prompted friends and family to distract me long enough to get their share before I find the dip). I especially love avocado in my omelets and tacos. Avocados also make a great a snack with a drizzle of of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
After moving to California, an avocado tree was one of my first purchases and while I’m still in the growing phase, I can’t wait to be able to pull an avocado off the tree and taste it. My one qualm with avocados is that once cut, the air takes hold and can quickly brown the beautiful green color. There are many ways you can prevent this (there’s a lively discussion in the comments section of the Kitchn if you have time). I usually just plan on eating the whole thing. Avocados also come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors depending on the time of year. California Avocado has a handy page to help you sort through all of them.
All Vegetarian Avocado Recipes
Avocado Chickpea Salad
Avocado Egg Sandwich with Hummus
Avocado Kale Salad with Crispy Chickpeas
Avocado Quesadilla with Chipotle Black Beans
Avocado Salad with Chickpeas
Black Bean Burrito with Guacamole
Black Bean Tacos with Avocado
Black Bean Tacos with California Avocado-Sweet Corn Salad
Black Bean Tostadas with Avocado Salad
Breakfast Enchiladas with Avocado Cream Sauce
Breakfast Tostada
Buffalo Chickpea Salad with Homemade Ranch
California Avocado Tomatillo Soup
California Avocado White Bean Dip
Chili Roasted Sweet Potato Sandwich
Chilled Cucumber and California Avocado Soup
Chipotle Black Bean and Rice Skillet
Chipotle Lentil Tacos with Avocado and Microgreens
Chipotle Sweet Potato and Brown Rice Egg Skillet
Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos with Black Beans and Guacamole
Cilantro Scramble with Spiced Black Beans
Cucumber Avocado Spring Rolls with Herbs
Enchilada Skillet with Eggs
Endives with Roasted Beet and Avocado
Green Summer Salad with Herby Hemp Dressing
Grilled Scallion Avocado Halloumi Tacos
Halloumi Salad with Spinach and Quinoa
Harissa and Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Herbed Zucchini Summer Rolls
Nachos with Corn Relish, Roasted Tomato Salsa, and Avocado
Spiced Pinto Bean Bowls with Avocado
Spinach Enchiladas with Lentils
Spinach Salad with Avocado and Sesame Roasted Almonds
Summer Buckwheat Salad
Summer Vegetarian Tacos with Avocado Cream
Sweet Corn Polenta with Roasted Tomatoes and Avocado
Turkish Eggs with Harissa Butter and Avocado Relish
Vegetable Burger with Curried Ketchup and Avocado
Vegetarian Breakfast Burritos