23 Things to do with Avocados

I was walking past a Mexican restaurant in Manhattan and saw all these avocados on the table. They were preparing them for guacamole. So I asked them if I could snap a photo and they said sure. They asked me why I wanted to take the picture so I told them that I write for an online magazine called HubPages and seeing all these avocados gave me the idea for a new article. And here it is!

The avocado is an amazing fruit! Yes, it is a fruit (I bet you didn't know that, I didn't). Many people who choose the vegan or vegetarian route use avocados in order to get their fat intake without eating meat. Avocados have absolutely no cholesterol and are rich in protein and fat. Also, avocado oil has a higher smoke rate than olive oil and some say it's better for you as well. A medium sized avocado is approximately 300 calories. There are 25 grams of fat in a whole avocado. All that fat helps your brain cells and heart health. The avocado has anti-cancer qualities and is also high in potassium.

When you purchase an avocado you should always purchase a green avocado. It has less risk of being over-ripe and/or moldy. Let it sit on your counter for two to three days before eating it. As soon as you see that it is turning dark brown or black, squeeze it and see if there is some soft tension..not too much, not too little, then it is ready. Also, they say that the pear shaped avocados are better than the round avocados because they have smaller pits and therefore more flesh.

At any rate here are 23 things you can do with avocados besides making guacamole just in case you have been blessed with an abundance of avocados.

1. Face-mask:

Take ½ avocado, add a squirt of honey and about a tablespoon of plain yogurt, mix until smooth. Put on your face for about an hour then wash off. Your skin will feel refreshed and moisturized without using any chemicals.

2. Lotion:

Just rub some on your hands or feet or any other body part that is dry and needs moisturizing.

3. Avocado Hair Treatment:

Avocado is very good for your hair and will moisturize it without harsh chemicals and ingredients that one cannot even pronounce.

4. Salads:

Slice up and add to salads. Okay, that was basic.

5. Baby Food:

Puree and add to other ingredients or serve alone.

6. Chocolate Mousse:

This is a great recipe if you are trying to cut down on sugar since it is sugar-free:

7. Freeze them:

Remove the skin and seed, slice in half and freeze them in a freezable plastic pouch.

8. Make Truffles:

A No-Bake Desert.

9. Baked with Eggs for a Gluten Free Meal:

Crack an egg in ½ of an avocado (leave skins on for support), bake at 425 for 15 minutes or until eggs are done, sprinkle with crumbled bacon and/or cheese or anything you want and voila a gluten free breakfast.

10. Avocado Milkshake:

I've never tried this but it looks good. Let me know if you try it.

11. Avocado Pesto Sauce for Pasta:

This sounds delicious and I will definitely try it.

12. Avocado Sauce for Sandwiches, or Tacos:

Instead of using mustard, mayonnaise or ketchup why not use an avocado sauce. It gives your sandwiches a nice quality and a variety that your family will enjoy.

13. Avocado Ice Cream:

This is a great raw food dessert.

14. Avocado Mayonnaise:

This makes a great alternative mayonnaise for people who can't eat gluten.

15. Replant the Avocado Seed:

An avocado seed will regrow, just put it into some water and watch the roots grow. You can then replant it in a potted plant either indoors or outdoors depending on your climate.

16. Avocado Soap:

The fat content in avocados is great for making soap, if you haven't tried you are missing out.

17. Seasoning Cast Iron Pans:

The smoking point is very high in avocado oils which make them great for seasoning cast iron pans.

18. Make Homemade Avocado Oil:

If you have a lot of avocados make avocado oil, you can use it in any way that you would use any other oils.

19. Use in place of Butter in Baking:

If you are avoiding dairy, this recipe makes baking possible.

20. Dye Fabric with Avocado Skins:

Who knew that using avocado skins to dye fabric would result in this pretty antique pink color?

21. Avocado Soup:

Sick of chicken soup? Have a lot of avocados on hand, here is a great recipe for avocado soup.

22. Avocado Seeds:

Dry the Avocado Seed and then crush it and use it in smoothies, pastries, deserts or just drink a little with water:

23. Fry them up and use them in sandwiches and tacos:

Okay, fried avocado, do I need to say more! This is totally decadent and off the charts high in fat but you know that this is off the chain yummy.

Finally, there are a myriad of recipes that you can use avocados in that are nutritious and delicious. I hope that some of these ideas are ones that you've never heard of before but if you have any additional and unusual ways that you use avocados please mention it in the comments sections. In any case bon appetit.