Avocado purist’s treat:

Eating avocado out of the shell with a spoon, simply seasoned with lime juice and a little salt.

Avocado Know-How

Your guide to becoming an instant avocado expert!

HOW TO PURCHASE AVOCADOS FROM MEXICO

When you shop for Avocados from Mexico, look for a dark-green pebbly skin.

You know you are buying what chefs consider the world’s finest avocado when you see ‘Mexico” on the sticker. If the avocados are hard when you take them home, you can leave them on the kitchen counter for a few days or hasten ripening by putting them in a paper bag (never plastic) and loosely close the top.

HOW TO KNOW WHEN AN AVOCADO IS RIPE

As the avocado ripens it will become softer. Check for ripeness by gently pressing your thumb on its bottom. If it gives to slight pressure, it's ripe. If you're not using a ripe avocado within a day, refrigerate until you're ready to use it.

HOW TO OPEN AN AVOCADO

Use a sharp knife and cut into the avocado straight down and around the hard pit inside. Twist into two halves—one half will contain the pit. Carefully and quickly hit the pit with the knife then with a twisting motion, loosen the pit and pull it out. To remove the avocado from the skin, ease a spoon between the flesh and the skin and scoop it out.