Avocados are hands-down one of the tastiest fruits out there, but did you know the creamy green flesh isn’t the only part you can use? Instead of tossing that giant pit in the compost, you can actually dry it out and use it as a unique spice! Here’s the scoop on how to make the most of your avocado pit.
Prepping the Pit
First things first, slice your avocado in half. Pop out the pit and go ahead and enjoy that delicious avocado toast! Once you’ve got the pit, give it a quick wipe with a paper towel. Because avocados are packed with healthy fats, that pit is going to be pretty slippery. Use a sharp knife to carefully peel off the outer skin, then dice the pit into small pieces on a wooden cutting board.
The Drying Process
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread your little pit pieces out in a single layer. If you’ve got time, you can let them air-dry in a shady spot outdoors—this usually takes about three days. If you’re in a hurry, pop the tray into the oven. Just keep the temperature low, around 100-120°F (40-50°C), so you don’t toast them too much.
How to Use It
Once the pieces are completely dried out, it’s time to turn them into powder. You can use a mortar and pestle or a food processor to grind them up. Pro tip: Give the powder one last quick dry before putting it into jars. This ensures there’s zero moisture left, which prevents any mold from growing while it’s stored.
So, what do you do with it? This powder makes a great seasoning with a lovely, slightly nutty flavor. Just a heads-up: it contains persin, which gives it a bit of a bitter kick, so start with just a pinch and see how you like it.
If you’re feeling crafty instead of hungry, you can actually carve the fresh pit! When it’s fresh, it has a soft, almost clay-like consistency that’s perfect for whittling with a small knife. Once it dries, it becomes rock hard and super durable.
Quick Tip: You can even make a tea from dried avocado leaves and bark. It’s a traditional remedy often used to help with fevers or when you’re feeling a bit run down.
