Avocados are everywhere. Just when you think we've reached peak avocado (fancy visiting an avocado restaurant in Amsterdam?) something else comes along that makes us wonder if peak avocado can ever really be reached. (Yes, the Avo-latte is a thing and I'm not too sure about it.) When you take a step back and think about it though, there's a reason why avocados are so popular. They're just that addictive. The silky, creamy flesh lends itself to so many delicious uses, and some of them may surprise you. So grab an Avo-latte and get ready to drool over our five favourite ways to use an avocado.
In a smoothie
If you need a way to put the smooth into smoothie, avocados are the way to go. Bananas add a similarly creamy texture to a smoothie, but their flavour takes over. If you want to achieve a smooth, creamy texture and also taste all your ingredients, pop in some avocado. As an added bonus, avocados freeze well, so if you don't get a chance to eat your avocado in the millisecond before it over ripens, throw the flesh in the freezer and use it to cool down your next smoothie.
Recipe suggestion: Berry Smoothie Bowl
For brunch
Is it really brunch if you don't eat avocado? Avocado on toast is the obvious choice, but brunch calls for something a little more substantial. Avocados add a buttery freshness and substance to any brunch sandwich. Just add eggs and some crisp smoky bacon or chorizo and you'll be set up for the day. Promise.
Recipe suggestion: Chorizo, Avocado and Poached Egg Brunch Bap
On the side
You've probably spooned guac on top of tacos or nachos, but avocado doesn't always have to be a topping. Think of it as just another side, like mashed potatoes or stir-fried kale. Smashed avocado goes with pretty much any meat you can think of and adds a little luxury to the plate. It's particularly good with anything spiced or salty, so serve it with Cajun-coated grilled chicken breasts or a well-seasoned steak.
Recipe suggestion: Rib Eye Steak with Smashed Avocado
As a sauce
Okay, I know I said that it doesn't always have to be a topping, but once you try avocado sauce, you're going to want to put it on everything. (Cheerios with a dollop of avocado sauce, anyone? Maybe not!) Spread it on sandwiches, use it as a dreamy burger topping or spoon it onto any Mexican-inspired dishes you can imagine.
Recipe suggestion: Mexican Beef Tartare with Spicy Avocado Sauce
As a dessert
It may seem strange, but using avocados in desserts is not that uncommon. Because of their fatty, creamy texture, they make a great replacement for butter in brownies, and Nobó has cracked dairy-free ice cream by combining avocado with coconut milk. Avocado also makes incredibly silky, creamy frosting, which means that vegans don't have to miss out on the best part of cake.
Recipe suggestion: Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Avocado Frosting
How do I know if an avocado is ripe?
If there isn't a start-up in Shoreditch working on the solution to that particular first-world question, I'll be very surprised. It's actually easier than you'd think to figure out whether your avocado is ripe or not. First, give it a squeeze. Pop it in the palm of your hand and gently squeeze it. (Don't use your fingertips or it might bruise.) If it gives easily, it's overripe. If it doesn't give at all, it's underripe. If it gives slightly, you should be good to go.
Alternatively, pull the stem off and check the colour. If it's brown, it's overripe. If it's green, it's perfect. It should pop off easily so don't force it - if you have to force it, it's underripe.
What's your favourite way to use avocado? Are you a guac fiend or do you just dive straight into the flesh with a spoon? Let us know in the comments below, or head over to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for a chat. We'd love to hear what you think.