Color Check – A ripe avocado typically has a dark green to nearly black skin. If it's too light, it's underripe; too black and mushy, it may be overripe.
Firmness Test – Gently press the avocado. A slight give means it's ripe and ready. Too hard? It's underripe. Too soft? It’s likely overripe.
Stem Trick – Flick off the small stem at the top. If it's green underneath, the avocado is perfect. If it's brown, it's likely overripe inside.
Skin Texture – A bumpy, pebbly skin (like a Hass avocado) often indicates better quality, while smooth-skinned varieties should still feel firm but not too soft.
Overmashing – Mashing too much or using a blender can turn guacamole or spreads into a watery, unappealing mess. Keep it chunky for better texture!
Not Using Enough Lime or Lemon – Acidity from lime or lemon helps prevent oxidation and browning, while adding flavor. Don’t skip it!