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Toss your browning avocado into a food processor with fresh basil, pine nuts or walnuts, garlic, lemon, and olive oil. It makes a creamy twist on traditional pesto that’s excellent over pasta, zoodles, or roasted vegetables.
Guacamole with a Twist
When making guacamole from an avocado with brown spots, just scoop around the affected areas. Mix the good parts with lime juice, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. The acid from the lime and the herbs will keep it fresh and zesty.
Non-Food Uses: Natural Beauty and Wellness
Avocados aren’t just food—they’re skincare powerhouses, especially when ripe and soft. Here are a few ways to harness the benefits of dark-spotted avocados beyond the plate:
Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
Mash an overripe avocado with a tablespoon of coconut oil and a teaspoon of honey. Apply to damp hair, cover with a shower cap, and leave it for 30 minutes. The fats restore shine and softness, especially in dry or curly hair.
Hydrating Face Mask
Mix mashed avocado with a spoon of plain yogurt and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply to your face and let it sit for 15 minutes. This blend soothes, brightens, and moisturizes your skin.
Soothing Foot or Hand Treatment
The healthy fats in avocado help to hydrate and heal dry skin. Blend with a little olive oil and apply as a natural balm on cracked heels or rough hands.
Sunburn Relief
Mash the avocado and mix with aloe vera gel. The cooling properties of both ingredients can soothe sunburn and promote skin recovery.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning and Gardening Hacks
Avocado skins and seeds from your less-than-perfect avocados can be repurposed as well:
Natural Dye
Boil avocado skins and pits to create a soft pink or terracotta dye for fabric or paper.
Compost Boost
Though the flesh is still usable, if you discard any parts, add them to your compost bin. Avocado peels and pits decompose slowly but contribute nutrients to soil.
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