Eating an overripe avocado generally won’t cause any major health issues for most people. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when eating avocados that are past their prime.
Can you eat an overripe avocado?
Yes, you can eat an overripe avocado as long as it still looks and smells okay. The texture and taste will be different from a perfectly ripe avocado, but it is still safe to eat.
What happens if you eat a bad avocado?
If an avocado has gone truly bad, with mold or rot, it’s best not to eat it. Consuming rotting or moldy produce can potentially cause food poisoning. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Signs that an avocado has gone bad
Here are some signs that an avocado is overripe or spoiled:
- Brown or black spots on the skin
- Very soft, mushy flesh
- Mold or rotting spots
- Unpleasant sour smell
If you see any of these signs, it’s best to throw the avocado out. Don’t risk eating a rotten avocado.
What does an overripe avocado taste like?
An overripe avocado will taste different than one that is perfectly ripe. Here’s what to expect:
- More bitter, sour flavor
- Loss of creamy, rich taste
- Watery, slimy texture
- Woodier, fibrous flesh
- Mushy, almost liquified if very overripe
While not as enjoyable, the flavor of an overripe avocado is not inherently harmful or dangerous to eat.
Nutrition of overripe avocados
The nutrients in an avocado decline as it goes bad. Here is how the nutrition compares between ripe and overripe:
| Nutrient | Ripe Avocado | Overripe Avocado |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin K | 21% DV | 15% DV |
| Folate | 14% DV | 10% DV |
| Vitamin C | 12% DV | 8% DV |
| Potassium | 10% DV | 6% DV |
While overripe avocados still offer benefits, they contain lower amounts of vitamins, minerals and healthy fats compared to perfectly ripe fruit.
Do overripe avocados have less fat?
No, overripe avocados still contain the same amount of fat as ripe avocados. The fat content does not decline as the fruit ripens.
One whole avocado contains:
- Total fat: 15 grams
- Saturated fat: 2 grams
- Monounsaturated fat: 10 grams
- Polyunsaturated fat: 1.5 grams
This remains stable even as the fruit becomes overripe. However, the quality and absorption of the fats may decrease slightly after optimum ripeness.
Does overripe avocado make you sick?
In most cases, eating an overripe avocado will not make you sick. Your body is well-equipped to handle produce that is past its prime. But there are a few scenarios where overripe avocados could potentially cause illness:
- Allergy: If you have an avocado allergy, overripe fruit may trigger a more severe reaction.
- Sensitivity: People with IBS or other gut issues may experience more bloating, gas or diarrhea.
- Mold: Rotting avocados with mold can cause food poisoning when eaten.
If you experience any symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea after eating an overripe avocado, see your doctor.
Can dogs eat overripe avocados?
It’s best to avoid feeding overripe avocado to dogs. Ripe avocado is safe for dogs in small amounts, but overripe fruit can cause an upset stomach or toxicosis.
Signs your dog may have eaten bad avocado include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness or lethargy
See the vet if your dog displays any concerning symptoms after eating overripe avocado.
Storing avocados properly
To avoid having avocados go bad too quickly, it’s important to store them properly:
- Leave unripe avocados at room temperature until ready to eat.
- Once ripe, move to the refrigerator to slow ripening.
- Keep ripe avocados in an airtight bag or container.
- Squeeze some lemon or lime juice over chopped avocado to prevent browning.
- Or store chopped avocado in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface.
With proper storage techniques, ripe avocados should last 4-5 days refrigerated before becoming overripe.
What to do with overripe avocados
If you end up with avocados past their prime, here are some ways to use them up:
- Make guacamole or avocado toast
- Blend into smoothies
- Mix into oatmeal
- Mash and spread on sandwiches instead of mayo
- Puree into creamy pasta sauce
- Slice thinly and use on top of pizza
Overripe avocados work well in recipes where texture isn’t as important. Avoid using in salads or dishes where you want avocado chunks.
Can you freeze overripe avocados?
Freezing overripe avocados can extend their shelf life for 4-6 months. Here’s how to do it:
- Cut avocado in half and remove pit
- Scoop out flesh and mash in a bowl
- Add lemon or lime juice
- Portion into freezer bags or airtight containers
- Remove as much air as possible and seal
- Freeze for up to 6 months
Thaw frozen avocado in the refrigerator before using. The texture will be a bit softer once thawed.
Conclusion
Eating an overripe avocado once in awhile is unlikely to cause problems for most people. However, moldy or rotting avocados should always be discarded. To get the most nutrition and flavor out of avocados, aim to eat them within 1-2 days of ripening. With proper storage, you can slow down the ripening process and extend the shelf life of fresh avocados.
