How to Peel and Cut an Avocado

How many times have you come across a recipe which calls for sliced or cubed avocado and you have absolutely no idea how to peel and elegantly cut your avocado?

Have you attempted it only to end up with a mushy mess?

Well, we’re going to make it easier for you.  Follow our step by step instructions for peeling and cutting an avocado.

It's not as tricky as it seems. 

A step by step Guide

Step 1

Place the avocado on a cutting board, hold firmly with one hand and cut lengthwise with a large sharp knife until it comes in contact with the seed.     Make a continuous incision around the avocado until it has been cut in half.  Pull the two halves apart to expose the pit.

Step 2

Now you need to remove the pit and there are two ways of doing this.

• One way is to make another cut lengthwise, cutting  around the pit.    This makes it easier to remove.

• The other method is to place the avocado half on the cutting board pit side up.   Strike the pit with the blade of the knife, embedding the knife into the pit.
  

But a word of warning, if you are using a very sharp knife, be very careful.  You will need to use sufficient force for the knife to lodge in the pit, but not enough to cut all the way through.

Hold the avocado in one hand, then twist the knife so that the pit gently eases out of the avocado.

Step 3

Now you need to remove the flesh.  How you do so will depend on the recipe.  If you are making guacamole, just scoop the flesh out with a spoon.

Insert a spoon between the flesh and skin and run the spoon around the edge.  The pulp should just ease out.  Scrape out any remaining pulp but discard any that is discoloured.

But for salads and other recipes a more elegant method is called for.

To make Avocado Slices

Use a knife to slice the inside of the avocado lengthwise into sections.  It doesn’t matter if you cut through the peel.  In fact this will probably make it easier.  Using your fingers, separate the segments from the peel.

To Cut into Segments

Take a small, sharp knife and cut the flesh lengthwise then across.  Using a spoon carefully scoop out the pieces.   Then use your fingers to carefully separate the avocado from the peel.

Storing Avocado

Avocado pulp discolours very quickly once it is exposed.   Use immediately or cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate, but use within one or two days.

Avocado pulp can also be frozen for up to six months.  It needs an acidic agent, so you need to mash the pulp with two tablespoons of lime juice.  This prevents the pulp from becoming brown.  Place in an airtight container leaving some space at the top.