If Avocado Is Brown Inside Is It Bad?

It’s the question everyone wants to know the answer to. If an avocado is brown inside, does that mean it’s bad? Or can you still eat it? The answer is yes. While many believe that if an avocado is brown inside, it means it’s rotten and should be thrown away, this is not true. The color of avocado comes from its outer layer, which is what we eat.

Avocados grow on an evergreen tree called Persea Americana. Also called Alligator Pears for their bumpy, dark green skin, People have enjoyed them for thousands of years. But did you ever though, If avocado is brown inside is it bad?

Will it be good or bad for you? In North America, California, Florida, and Mexico are the biggest growers of this tasty fruit.

Avocados are a delicious treat. We use them to spice up Eve, from salads to toast. Their smooth, nutty flavor is an all-around delight to the taste buds. But they are a bit tricky to get just the proper ripeness.

Who still needs to buy an avocado with the hopes of making some chip dip, only not to have the knife go through? Worse, the knife reveals what we all dread when dealing with them – it’s brown! The horror. The confusion.

It’s bad. It should be tossed away. 

Not so fast!

Is Brown Avocado Bad To Eat?

Brown means that the avocado was exposed to oxidation. Simply put, the flesh was exposed to oxygen (open air). Perhaps it was dropped, squished or slammed into a can in your cart. Then, something dented and weakened the skin, allowing air to get in.

Like when you cut an apple. It’s white when sliced, but within 2 seconds, it starts to brown up. The apple is still fine to eat, just not as pretty. But who needs pretty? We need guacamole!

Avocado may also be brown inside because a microbe or fungus has entered the flesh. Sometimes, this happens while the avocado is very young and still in the tree. The microbe will lie dormant for quite a while before attacking.

However, if only one part is brown, it’s OK to eat the rest of it. Just cut out the brown and eat the rest. 

So yes, eating avocado is safe if it’s brown. It does not mean it’s bad. Only the brown part needs to be discarded.

Now, a brown avocado may be a tad bitter. If this bothers you, then you may not want to eat it. But brown avocados are harmless.

That said, if an avocado is brown AND has other things going on, you may need to let it go. 

Why Do Avocados Have Brown Dots And Streaks?

The avocado has a lot going on inside its shell. Water, sugars, nutrients, and fibers are all mulling about. Usually, everything is fine. But, unless the avocado’s vascular system has been damaged by being stored in the cold for too long, the tissue cells will begin to die off.

So, the vascular tissue turns brown. The little brown dots or streaks you may see are the dead or dying tissue from the avocado’s vascular system. It could also be fungi.

Sometimes a fungus can enter a weakened spot at the stem. When it enters the avocado’s flesh, this will also cause brown dots and streaks.

You can eat avocados with these dots and streaks. However, do a taste test first. The fruit may be bitter or have an otherwise bad taste.  

Signs Your Avocado Is Past It’s Prime

Ripe avocados don’t have a long shelf life. Therefore, they should be eaten as soon as possible. While there is no need to toss an avocado just because it’s brown, there are times when it should be tossed.

1. Shriveled And Dry Skin

A good avocado will look healthy. Green, waxy and plump. 

2. Mushy shell

If an avocado is mushy, walk away fast. 

3. Black skin

Some avocados will naturally turn darker as the ripening process progresses. That’s fine. But if they are nearly black, that’s not good. Toss it.

4. Squishy When You Cut It

There should be no problem when cutting an avocado. If the knife doesn’t go through, it’s not ripe enough. However, it should be challenging too. The avocado should be soft enough to burst out, leaving its insides all over your kitchen. Toss it!

5. It Smells

As with any food, it’s no good if there’s a foul odor. Good avocados will have a delightful, almost nutty smell. If you need to ask someone “does this smell bad” (we’ve all done it), chances are it does. Just throw it away or use it as fertilizer for your garden. 

6. Dark, Stringy Flesh

If the avocado is black, grey, or weirdly discolored, it’s bad. If its flesh is separated and stringy, it’s bad. Toss it!

7. Mold

White or grey fuzz inside or out of the avocado means it’s moldy and should not be eaten, even if the mold is only on the outside. It is because avocado shells are porous, and the mold can penetrate the avocado flesh. 

How Do I Know If An Avocado Is Ripe?

There’s not one avocado lover who has not struggled with the question of if it is ripe or not. It seems like one day, they aren’t ripe enough, and the next day they’re overripe. How do we know?

When the outside is dark purplish or black and succumbs to gentle pressure, it’s ready to eat or refrigerate.

If you still need to figure it out, pluck off the stem. If it’s green under there, it’s not ripe. If it’s brown, it’s rotten. If it’s yellowish-brown, it’s ready to go in your belly. 

Can You Use An Overripe Avocado?

Yes. They may not be great for what you originally intended them for, but there’s no need to throw them away. They can be used if they are not in any of the conditions above. Here are some things you can do with a very ripe avocado:

Beauty Treatment 

Blend it in with some olive oil, oatmeal, honey, or even yogurt to make a natural treatment for your face or hair.

Mash It Up And Scramble With Some Eggs

Add Them To The Brownie Mix

Many people substitute avocado for the oil used in batter mixes. It’s healthy and makes the batter creamy. 

Creamy Avocado Salad Dressing

Blend the avocado with some yogurt, sour cream, or even ready-made dressing 

Avocado Smoothie

Use it the same way you would use butter; on toast, sandwich spread, etc.

Can A Bad Avocado Be Poison To Me?

Avocado will not poison you because you will expire, but it can sometimes cause you to be ill. A bad avocado can undoubtedly cause stomach issues like diarrhea and nausea. It can causem food poisoning in rare cases. Be sure to wash the avocado before cutting or peeling it. As with any other fruit or veggie, avocados carry listeria or salmonella. 

Listeria

It is a bacterium from water, vegetation, or soil contaminated by listeria-infected feces. Symptoms can begin 1 to 4 weeks after being infected. The symptoms include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, chills, and muscle aches. 

Salmonella

It is also a bacteria that is found in food or water that’s been contaminated with the bacteria. Symptoms include diarrhea, headache, bloody stool, and cramps. 

To avoid these illnesses, wash your hands before handling avocados (or any food) and thoroughly clean the avocado before slicing. 

Is Avocado Poison To Animals?

Avocados contain a fungicide called persin. It’s not harmful to humans or dogs and cats, but it can kill other animals. Persin is highly toxic to birds, rabbits, horses, cows, sheep, and goats. No part of an avocado should be fed to these animals. Signs of persin poisoning in these animals include

Inability to perch (birds).

Difficultly breathing.

Inflammation of the mammary glands.

Heart rhythm problems.

Fainting.

All animals that consume avocados should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. The person will not harm dogs, but pets should not be left near them as they create a choking hazard. 

Are Avocado Pits Poisonous? 

For some reason, it’s out there that avocado pits are poisonous. It may be due to the presence of the person.

However, the pits are not toxic to humans. Unless it’s eaten in massive quantities, in average amounts, it can be good for us.

People have been known to grind the pit down and add the powder to smoothies and teas. The pit is filled with antioxidants and is great for the skin. 

What Do Avocados Do To Our Bodies?

Avocados are fabulous for our bodies. They are loaded with benefits.

1. Rich In nutrients

Avocados contain vitamins C, E, K, and B6. They also contain riboflavin, niacin, folate, magnesium, potassium, beta carotene, and omega 3 fatty acids. All of these nutrients contribute to overall body health.

2. Heart Healthy

Sitosterol is a key substance in helping to maintain proper cholesterol levels. Half an avocado contains 76 milligrams of sitosterol. Healthy cholesterol levels help maintain a healthy heart.

3. Good For Your Eyes

Avocados contain lutein, a chemical present in eye tissue. Lutein helps protect the eyes from ultraviolet rays.

4. Can Help Prevent Osteoporosis 

The vitamin K in avocados increases the body’s ability to absorb calcium. Calcium promotes bone density. This helps prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures.

5. Support Fetal Health

The folate and fatty acids in avocados can reduce the risk of miscarriage in women. These nutrients can also reduce the risk of neural tube abnormalities. 

6. Reduce Depression 

Folate can prevent the build up of homocysteine. A substance that can impair circulation to the brain. 

7. Improve Digestion 

Avocados are high in fiber. Fiber works to keep the digestive tract in good working shape. 

Reasons Not To Eat Avocado 

It’s unthinkable. But there are indeed reasons not to eat avocado. For all its nutritional value and creamy deliciousness, there are times why some folks should not eat avocado in large amounts or at all. 

1. It Could Cause Weight Gain.

Avocados have healthy fats, but they are still fats. Too much will cause you to gain weight. It’s kind of like how a glass of red wine a night is good for the heart, but an entire bottle a night, not so much.

2. Avocados Can Cause Stomach/Intestinal Upset

This tasty alligator pear contains certain carbohydrates that have a laxative-like effect. If you eat too much or have a sensitivity to these carbs, you could experience bloating, gas, or diarrhea. 

3. Too Much Fiber

Avocados are full of fiber. Which is good. If your not used to consuming a lot of fiber, too much avocado can irritate your bowls and cause abdominal cramps and constipation. It’s best to start with small amounts and increase slowly. 

4. Allergies

There are those poor unfortunate souls that are allergic to one or more of the compounds in avocados. Reactions could include hives, swollen skin, dry, itchy skin and respiratory problems.

The Dark Side Of Avocados

It’s a sad truth. Avocados do indeed have a dark side and we’re not talking about when they turn brown. Avocados have skyrocketed in popularity over the past decade.

People seem to have all at once “discovered ” their health benefits, goodness, and versatility. Obviously, this has caused a surge in sales. In the United States alone, an average of 2.4 million tons of avocado are consumed a year.

This means that production has to increase. More avocados need to be grown. This huge uptick in avocado production has led to a negative impact on the environment.

First, more avocado trees need to be planted. Most avocado trees are grown in plantations. The more trees that are planted leads to less nutrients in the soil. This leads to disease. More pesticides and fertilizer need to be used.

These chemicals then run off  and enter the groundwater, polluting it. This, of course, affects humans, wildlife, and other plants.

The next problem comes with water consumption. It takes an average of 59 gallons of water to grow a single avocado. Not an avocado tree, but a single avocado. 

Then there is the problem with deforestation. With an increased demand for avocados, there’s an increased demand for space to plant trees.

Many other trees and plant life are being done away with to make room for the avocado. 

As if all of these environmental problems were not enough. There is a serious societal issue occurring around avocados, specifically in Mexico. Most of the avocados grown come from Mexico.

At first, this need for avocados was a great opportunity for local farmers and workers. As time went on, these farmers flourished and the farm workers’ wages increased. That was awesome.

Avocados were making farmers roughly 2.8 billion dollars a year with US exports alone.  However, like most novel opportunities, it drew the attention of the organized crime cartels in Mexico.

Over the past several years, these cartels have strong-armed their way into the avocado farmers’ business. The gangs began by extorting money from the farmers, as most organized crime groups have throughout history.

Calling it a “tax”, the farmers were basically paying for their safety. If the farmers refused, threats were made. The gang might cut down trees, burn them, or worse. The lives of the farmers’ families and their workers were threatened.

Then the cartels began seizing farms all together so they could control all of the avocado flow and therefore money. Earlier this year, the United States banned the import of avocados from Mexico’s top producer.

This occurred after a threat was made against a US safety inspector working in Mexico. All of this violence and criminal activity has driven up the prices of avocados.

Worst of all, it has put people just trying to make a living in harm’s way. The United States is working with Mexico to try and squash the cartels, but it is not an easy task. 

Are There Alternatives To Avocados?

Let’s face it. Avocados are in a league all their own. They are difficult to replace. Some would argue they are irreplaceable.

Sometimes we must do our best to find a substitute. Whether they’re in short supply, dietary reasons, or a reaction we may have had. So, whatever your reason is, here are some suggestions. 

• Hummus – creamy, nutty, delicious 

• Egg yolks – if you need to make a recipe moist 

• Mashed pistachios – similar in texture and taste

• Pumpkin – same nutty taste and texture

• Mashed banana – creamy and moist 

• Olive oil – can make dishes moist and gives an earthy flavor

• Puréed butternut squash – same texture and flavor 

• Variety of nut or seed butter – good for spreading

• Greek yogurt – creamy

• Silken tofu – same texture 

• Edamame dip – creamy texture and nutty flavor

• Puréed peas – smooth, creamy, same color, great taste

• Pesto – same color and full of flavor

• Ricotta cheese – same texture and smooth taste

• Plantain – nutty, earthy flavor, the same texture when mashed 

• Breadfruit – earthy, flavorful and similar texture

What Are Great Recipe Ideas For Avocados?

As if there were any non-great recipes that use avocados. Perhaps the greatest part is , all these recipes can be used if the avocado is brown.

• Avocado chicken salad

• Avocado chips

• Baked avocado boats 

• Avocado hummus

• Taco stuffed avocado 

• Avocado egg salad

• Chocolate avocado pudding

• Avocado pancakes

• Chocolate avocado bread

• Cobb salad

• Pickled avocados

• Avocado butter

• Avocado cheesecake 

• Avocado ice cream

• Crispy avocado fries

• Avocado grilled cheese

• Bruschetta stuffed avocado 

• Mango avocado salsa

• Avocado goat cheese truffles

• Tomato avocado sandwich 

• Avocado fruit salad

• Avocado potato salad

• Avocado coleslaw

• Hummus and avocado dip

• Ham and avocado scramble 

The Avocado In Pop Culture

At some point, the avocado took over the helm at which the likes of the mighty California raisins, the Taco Bell dog, those Budweiser frogs once stood strong.

No one is quite sure how it took off. Some say the 2015 Super Bowl. The avocado council ran an ad during half time. Whatever was said in that ad worked. Following the ad, avocado sales rose by more than 50 million pounds per week.

Others say it was due to Gwyneth Paltrow. The actress published a cookbook with (at the time) an obscure recipe where one was expected to mash up avocado and place it upon toast.

She made it seem all very hip and healthy. So people jumped on the trend. However, in actuality, an Australian restaurant owner named Bill Granger came up with the idea 30 years ago.

Regardless, not only were people making it fashionable to eat them. They were making fashion FROM them. Avocados were everywhere!

It began with a t-shirt here and there. Then maybe a cute stuffed animal or salt and pepper shakers. Then the market exploded like a bad avocado. We couldn’t go anywhere without seeing an avocado pasted somewhere or on someone!

There were sneakers, sheets, hats, Halloween costumes, shower curtains, purses, mugs, jewelry, underwear, and more. It was out of control.

We should have known when a famous model was photographed with her baby in matching avocado bathing suits! There’s even a Chilean artist that mashed up avocado, then designs intricate, beautiful creations depicting legends like Marilyn Monroe and the Mona Lisa.

He spends hours on his avocado creations. He photographs them. Then he eats them.

How long will our obsession with avocado last? Only time will tell. At some point though, it’s guaranteed that the avocado backpack you have will end up in the closet with  your raisin hat and your chihuahua pillow. 

What Are The Varieties Of Avocado? 

The avocado is a type of fruit which has a hard green outer skin and a smooth, slightly bumpy green-skinned flesh that ranges in color from nearly black to cream-colored. 

The fruit’s flesh is often sold in wedges that have been peeled, pitted, and sliced. Avocados are native to Central America and the Mexican states of Puebla and Veracruz. 

Avocados are high in monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease.

Avocado is a fruit that is native to South America and is now grown in many countries around the world. Avocados are also known as alligator pears and are a green pear-shaped fruit that is often sold with the skin still on. 

There are many different varieties of avocado, including Hass, Fuerte, and Bacon, Pinkerton, Reed, Zutano, Bacon, Fuerte, and Gwen

How Can You Store Avocados?

This will depend on how you want to use your avocado. If you plan to use it for cooking, then it should be stored in the fridge in a sealed container. If you want to use it for making guacamole, then it can be stored in a closed container in the fridge.

Avocados are known for their thick, rich, and buttery flesh. They’re great for salads, sandwiches, and even in omelets. 

If you’re looking to store your avocado in the refrigerator, it’s best to store them on their side. This will allow them to be on their side while they are on their skin and they won’t roll around.

Avocado’s need to be stored in a cool, dark place. The fruit will continue to ripen after it has been picked. This process is sped up by placing the avocado in a paper bag. 

The avocado should be removed from the bag after 2-3 days and stored in a bowl. 

How To Pick Avocados From The Grocery Store? 

Avocados can be hard to pick out at the grocery store. Some tips on how to tell the ripe ones from the unripe ones are to check for a “crisp, velvety feel” to the skin, a “milky-colored” inner part, and “one that gives slightly when gently squeezed.”

A couple of tips for picking avocados from the grocery store. Get to know the size and color of the avocado. The color of an avocado is typically a mixture of green, black, and yellow. 

The darker the green, the more flavorful the avocado is. Touch the avocado to make sure it is firm and does not feel slimy. 

If the avocado feels heavy for its size, it is likely overripe.

Some More About This Fabulous Fruit

• Half an avocado has 4.6 grams of fiber, the most of any fruit

• An avocado has more potassium than a banana, bananas have 544 milligrams and avocado has 975.

• California produces 90% of the United States avocado crop

• In 2017, over 3 million photos of avocado toast were posted to Instagram 

• The word “guacamole” is from the Aztec word “ahuacomoli”, which loosely translates to avocado soup.

• Avocado is the only edible fruit in the family of Lauraceae

• The avocado is the state fruit of California 

• Avocados are also grown commercially in the Dominican Republic, Australia, Africa, Egypt, Israel, the Philippines, and Sicily

• The avocado tree can live up to 400 years and grow to be 65 to 70 feet tall

• Avocado trees can grow in almost any type of soil, including limestone, red clay, and volcanic loam

• A California mailman named Rudolph Haas discovered what would become the Haas avocado in his backyard in 1935. Haas patented it. 

• September 16th of each year is National Guacomole Day

• The avocado is 73% water

• The heaviest recorded avocado weighed 4.83 pounds 

• Peak avocado season is from late winter to early spring 

• Avocado is a fruit not a vegetable 

• You can plant avocado pits to grow lovely plants; they won’t bear fruit but they look great around the house

• In 2017, Americans spent $900,000 a month on avocado toast

• According to legend, in the 1960’s, a sushi chef in California ran out of tuna so he used avocado; the California roll was born

• Avocado oil can help heal cuts

• To make avocados ripen quicker, put them in a paper bag with a ripe banana

• National Avocado Day is July 31st

• More avocados are consumed on Super Bowl Sunday than any other day of the year

Can You Eat Raw Avocados? 

You can eat raw avocados in some instances, but it’s not a good idea to do so. In fact, there are several reasons why you should never eat raw avocados.

Raw avocados are a great source of healthy fat, and they are a perfect addition to any salad. 

However, it is important to know that if you eat a whole avocado, you will get more than your daily requirement of potassium.

Nutritional Value Of Avocado

Nutrition	Avocado
Calories	160 Kcal
Fat	14.7 gm
Sodium	7 mg
Carbohydrates	8.5 mg
Fiber	6.7 gm
Sugar	0.7 gm
Protein	2 gm
Magnesium	29 mg
Potassium	48 mg
Vitamin C	10 mg
Vitamin K	21 mcg
Vitamin E	2.1 mg

Avocado Recipes: Quick Table

Recipes	Calories	Preparation Time
Creamy Avocado Smoothie	146	5 Minutes
Crispy Avocado Tacos	214	15 Minutes
Kale Black Bean & Avocado Burrito Bowl	494	50 Minutes

1. Creamy Avocado Smoothie

Avocado smoothies are a healthy and tasty way to enjoy the avocado’s rich and creamy texture. 

Smoothies are easy to make with a blender and many flavors can be used to create a new and exciting flavor. 

Avocado smoothies are also great for weight loss, as they are full of healthy fats.

Avocado smoothies are a creamy, nutritious, and refreshing treat. 

Made with avocado, frozen fruit, and yogurt, this drink is a nutritious and easy-to-make breakfast or snack.

Avocado smoothies are a refreshing and filling way to start your day, as well as being a great way to get a serving of fruit and vegetables.

Calories (per serving): 112 Kcal

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

2. Crispy Avocado Tacos

Avocado tacos are a healthy, flavorful dish that can be made in minutes and served as a filling meal for two.

In this recipe, you will make avocado tacos with a white-taco-flour tortilla, onion, tomatoes, cilantro, lime, jalapeños, and garlic. 

These easy-to-make, healthy tacos can also be made with the use of avocado, sweet corn, lime and cilantro, and are served on corn tortillas.

You will also add some water and salt to the mixture, so the dough is pliable enough to form the tacos. 

The avocado tacos are a delicious meal that is easy to make and tastes great.

The light and airy avocado tacos are great for an afternoon snack or a light meal. The tacos are made with flour tortillas, avocado, and tomato sauce.

Calories per serving: 260 Kcal 

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

3. Kale Black Bean & Avocado Burrito Bowl

Black beans are the go-to ingredient for a hearty dish. They add fiber and protein to your diet, and they’re also a good source of iron and folate. 

Kale Black Bean is a nutritious and delicious plant-based meal that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied. Made with hearty black beans, whole grains, vegetables, and spices, this meal is full of protein, vitamins, and minerals. 

Kale Black Bean contains no added sugars or preservatives, so you can feel confident serving this to your family without the worry of what they are eating.

These two vegetables are combined with lime juice and cilantro for a light, fresh flavor. This salad is perfect for summer BBQs or for any occasion.

And they’re perfect for a Mexican-inspired dish like this. Add this Kale Black Bean recipe to your menu.

Calories per serving: 728.4 Kcal

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

RELATED: Are Avocados Acidic, And Bad For Acid Reflux?

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Negatives To Eating Avocado?

Avocado is a fruit that is rich in nutrients, healthy fats, and dietary fiber. Despite its many benefits, avocado is not without its problems. Some people may have a hard time digesting it, while others have an allergic reaction to it.

The most common complaints about avocados are that they can be expensive and that the flesh of the fruit is difficult to remove from the skin. However, the benefits of avocados far outweigh the negatives.

Do Avocados Burn Belly Fat? 

There is a myth that eating avocados can help you lose belly fat, but this is not true. An avocado is actually a great source of healthy fats and has been proven to help people feel fuller and improve their cholesterol.

An avocado is a fruit that is a healthy and nutritious source of fat, fiber, and vitamins. Avocados are a low-calorie food that can help reduce belly fat, but the impact of this fruit is not yet known.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Eating Avocados?

Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids which can help to lower cholesterol levels, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. These fats can also be used to improve brain function and enhance mood. 

Avocados are also high in fiber which can help to regulate digestion and reduce constipation, as well as lower the risk of developing certain cancers. Avocados are a good source of vitamins C and E, as well as potassium and folate. 

Avocados are also a good source of carotenoids, including beta-carotene and lutein, which can help to protect against cancer.