Determine that an avocado is ripe for cutting and enjoying.
Cut in half lengthwise
Cut around the pit by cutting lengthwise down all sides of the avocado. Gently twist the halves to pull them apart. One half will hold onto the pit.
Remove pit
If an avocado is ripe, the pit will come out easily with your fingers. Some people like to use a knife to remove avocado pits, but I’ve cut my hands too many times to do this (and it’s truly not necessary).
(Chopping) – Cut cross-hatched lines in flesh
If your end goal is to have chopped avocados, hold a half in the palm of your hand and use a paring knife to cut cross hatches into the flesh, being careful not to cut all the way through the skin.
(Chopping) – Scoop flesh out with a spoon
Use a spoon to separate the flesh from the skin.
(Slicing) – Cut in half through skin and slice
If your end goal is to have sliced avocados, cut each avocado half in half lengthwise. You’ll want to cut entirely through the skin this time. Hold each avocado quarter in the palm of your hand and use a paring knife to cut slices through the flesh.
(Slicing) – Peel skin away
Peel the skin away from the flesh to reveal perfect avocado slices.