Introduction
If you love avocados, then you know the disappointment of cutting into one, only to find brown spots covering the flesh. Browning avocados are a common problem people face, and some may wonder if eating a brown avocado is still safe. This article aims to dispel myths associated with brown avocados, spotlight their nutritional benefits, and provide tips on using overripe avocados and storing them to avoid browning.
Health Benefits of Eating Brown Avocado: Debunking the Myths
Many folks prefer not to eat brown avocados and consider them bad or rotten. However, browned avocado flesh does not necessarily imply rotten or unusable avocado. The discoloration is a natural process that occurs due to oxidation after cutting up the fruit. The fruit flesh in the browned area is still edible, and in some instances, it can have more health benefits than the green flesh that does not get brown.
One common myth about brown avocados is that they are detrimental to your health. Such a belief arises from the notion that browned avocados are a sign of rotting, but that is simply not accurate. In truth, brown avocados have additional benefits as they are rich in antioxidants beneficial to human health. These antioxidants are produced during the process of oxidation that causes browning.
Furthermore, while the original green color of the avocado usually fades away as the fruit ripens, the nutrients stay intact. A brown avocado contains high amounts of iron, potassium, fiber, Vitamin E, and antioxidants that reduce the risk of heart disease and increase cancer resistance. Therefore, do not toss a brown avocado, but instead, enjoy all its health-filled benefits.
Brown Avocado: How to Tell if it’s Okay to Eat
While brown avocados are safe to eat, identifying when they are ripe or still good to eat is important. A rancid avocado tastes terrible and could cause an upset stomach. To identify whether the avocado is still edible or not, use your senses. Here is how to check:
Smell:
A ripe and healthy avocado feels fragrant, but an overripe or rotten one gives off an unpleasant odor, similar to an alcohol-like smell.
Texture:
You can touch a brown avocado to feel the texture. A mushy texture suggests that the avocado is overripe and, therefore, unusable. However, if the avocado flesh is still firm with a slight give, it’s still good for eating.
Color:
When an avocado is completely brown, it is highly likely that it’s overripe or spoiled. However, if there are only slight brown patches on the skin or flesh, it is safe to eat. An avocado that has turned brown due to bruising or oxidation will still be fine to eat.
To prevent avocados from browning too quickly, you can store them in the refrigerator, which slows down the ripening process. Additionally, avoid cutting into an avocado until you are ready to eat it or use it in your recipe. If you need to cut into an avocado and are not using the whole thing, store it in an airtight container with a little lime or lemon juice. This will help it retain its color for longer.
Innovative Recipes for Using Overripe Avocados
Just because your avocado is brown doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy its flavor and benefits. Overripe avocados are perfect for smoothies, guacamole, and many recipes. Here are some exciting recipe ideas for transforming your brown avocado into something delicious.
Breakfast
Add chunks of overripe avocado to your omelet for a delicious and creamy texture.
Spread mashed avocado on a slice of toast and top it with boiled eggs or poached eggs for a nutrient-packed breakfast.
Lunch
Blend overripe avocados with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and salt for a simple and delicious spreadable that you can use on sandwiches and wraps. You can also use this as a dip for your veggies.
Try making avocado hummus by blending chickpeas, avocado, tahini, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice together. Serve it with crackers, sliced vegetables, or even pita bread.
Dinner
Add cubed overripe avocado to your next pasta dish, or make your pasta sauce with mashed avocados, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt.
Make a healthy taco bowl by adding roasted vegetables, black beans, and guacamole to your whole-grain rice.
Is it Safe to Eat Brown Guacamole?
Guacamole is a popular dip put on everything from burritos to tortilla chips. Typically, guacamole turns brown as it oxidizes over time. While the discoloration may not look appetizing, brown guacamole is still safe to eat. However, you need to make sure it is still good by checking the avocado for signs of rot, which you can do using the tests above.
The discoloration of guacamole is preventable by limiting the fruit’s exposure to air. You can do this by covering the guacamole with a layer of plastic wrap, or by placing the avocado’s pit back into the mixture.
The Advantages of Recycling Brown Avocado Peels
Instead of tossing your brown avocado peel, compost it. Composting is the process of breaking down organic waste into soil-like material to be used for fertilizing plants. Brown avocado peels add important nutrients to your compost pile, contributing to richer and healthier soil for your plants.
If composting is not an option for you, then you can still reuse avocado peels. Rub the inside of the peel onto your face to use it as a natural moisturizer. Alternatively, you can put avocado peels in a pot of boiling water to create an odor-neutralizing solution.
The Perfect Guide to Storing Avocados to Avoid Browning
The key to keeping avocados from browning is to slow down the ripening process; there are a few ways to do this:
Refrigerating:
Store your ripe avocados in the refrigerator to keep them from turning brown. This helps to slow down the ripening process and keep the avocado fresh for a couple of days.
Freezing:
You can also freeze ripe avocados if you are not ready to use them yet. Peel, core, and dice the avocado, then toss it with a bit of lemon juice, and place it in an airtight container before freezing.
Storing with Onion:
Place your ripe avocado in an airtight container with half an onion. This will help keep the avocado fresh and prevent it from browning.
The Secret Life of the Brown Avocado: Is it still Nutritious?
Yes, brown avocados still retain all the nutrients present before the fruit started to brown. In fact, many experts suggest that a brown avocado is even more nutritious thanks to the additional antioxidants produced during the oxidation process. Brown avocados are an excellent source of dietary fiber, rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and an excellent source of potassium, vitamins B6, C, and E.
Conclusion
In conclusion, brown avocados may not look appetizing, but they are still safe and nutritious to eat. We have learnt that browning does not indicate the meat has gone bad, with many things we can do with overripe avocados besides throwing them away. So, next time you come across a brown avocado, do not throw it away- eat it, compost it, or use it in your recipe. Take advantage of the health benefits and versatility of the fruit and let nothing go to waste.
