The Best Guacamole

There's an abundant supply of avocados in the Florida Keys, and the best thing to do with them is to make my favorite snack, guacamole.

You can use guacamole as a dip, salad dressing, burger topping, or you can eat it straight-up, right out of the mixing bowl. This is a nutrient-dense snack that is not only delicious but packs a punch in terms of nutrition. Avocados contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids as well as protein, fiber, and potassium.

What You Need To Make Guacamole

How to Shop for Avocados

Look for dark green Hass Avocados. A ripe avocado gives a bit when you gently squeeze it. Avocados are harvested unripened and start ripening at the market, which is why they usually feel like rocks. If you bring them home and they are not quite ripe, place them on the countertop for a few days. When they ripen, they will feel soft when you squeeze them. You can eat them or store in the fridge for about three days.

If you have a party planned, buy your avocados a few days ahead of the event so they are ripe when you need them. You should get a few extra just in case they are not pristine when you cut them open. Sometimes they look and feel ripe, but when you cut them open, they are all brown.

How to Serve Guacamole

I use vegetables like carrots, celery, cucumbers, and bell peppers to scoop up my guacamole. Shown above is guacamole with Siete Tortilla Chips. They are made from Cassava Flour, Avocado Oil, Coconut Flour, Ground Chia Seeds, and Sea Salt. They taste great, and they're a healthier option than corn chips. Siete is a family-run company based out of Texas. They make grain-free almond flour tortillas too, which can be found in your grocer's freezer.

What to Do with Leftovers

If you want to hold on to the leftovers for a day or two, place the guacamole in a storage container and cover with a thin layer of warm water or olive oil. When you're ready to eat it, pour the liquid off and stir everything up. The guacamole will hold for a day or two.

Why I Don't Eat Corn Chips

Try this homemade Pico de Gallo with Faux Corn Chips with your guacamole. I made faux corn chips with bell peppers. Corn chips, which are traditionally served with guacamole and salsa, may be tainted with mycotoxins, toxins produced by mold, and could cause serious health problems. There's a good article on Know the Cause about the ill-effects of corn and how they might be negatively affecting your health. Check it out!