Guacamole Crimes: How to Know if an Avocado Is Bad

We’ve all been there—excitedly slicing open an avocado for the perfect batch of guacamole, only to discover it’s secretly been plotting against us: mushy, brown, or deceptively rock-hard.

At Amigo, we take avocado selection seriously—because we know bad guac is a crime. We’ve spent years honing our instincts, dodging duds, and cracking the code on what makes an avocado guac-worthy. Whether it’s topping your enchilada or starring in a bowl of our fresh-made guacamole, we only serve the good stuff.

To help you do the same, we’re sharing our expert tips on how to know if an avocado is bad. Ready to become a guacamole detective?

The Clue Is in the Skin: How to Pick a Good Avocado

First things first—examine the avocado’s outer layer. A ripe avocado should be dark green to nearly black, slightly bumpy, but not overly wrinkled. Bright green? Your avocado isn’t ripe yet. Too dark or almost black with sunken spots? You might have a culprit on your hands.

The Gentle Squeeze Test: How to Know if an Avocado Is Ripe

A perfect, innocent avocado should yield slightly when gently squeezed. If it’s too firm, you’ll be crunching into disappointment. Too soft, and it might already be part of the guacamole crime underworld—turning brown inside, ready to go rogue on your taste buds.

Undercover Operation: Checking the Stem

One easy way to identify avocado impostors is by investigating the stem:

• Green underneath? You’ve got a winner!
• Brown underneath? This avocado has seen better days—proceed with caution.
• Stem won’t come off easily? Your avocado needs more ripening time.

Emergency Measures: How Do You Ripen Avocados Quickly?

If you’ve found yourself with stubbornly hard avocados, there’s still hope. Put your unripe avocado in a paper bag along with an apple or banana overnight—the ethylene gas they release helps speed up the ripening process. Crisis averted!

What Is a Good Avocado Anyway?

Great question, detective! A good avocado has:

• Creamy, smooth green flesh without significant brown spots.
• A nutty, fresh smell (no funky odors!).
• A buttery texture perfect for scooping straight into your mouth—er, we mean into your guacamole bowl.

Final Verdict: Trust Your Senses (and Instincts)

At the end of your investigation, trust your eyes, fingers, and nose. Learning how to spot the perfect avocado might take some practice, but soon you’ll be solving guacamole crimes faster than you can say “extra chips, please!”

At Amigo, we know the stakes are high when it comes to guac. That’s why we hand-pick only the best avocados for our dishes—no brown mush or bitter bites here. So if you’re craving the kind of guacamole that gets it right every time, visit your favorite Amigo Mexican Restaurant location. We promise: no avocado impostors allowed!

Chattanooga & Surrounding Areas
East Ridge
3805 Ringgold Rd
East Ridge, TN 37412

Brainerd
5794 Brainerd Rd
Chattanooga, TN 37411

Hixson
5450 Highway 154
Hixson, TN 37343

East Tennessee

Elizabethton
623 W Elk Ave
Elizabethton, TN 37643

Peoples Street
3211 Peoples St, Suite 70
Johnson City, TN 37604

Jonesborough
125 E Jackson Blvd
Jonesborough, TN 37659

West Market
1705 W Market St
Johnson City, TN 37604