Avocados are incredibly nutritious fruits that are loaded with healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals. While fresh avocados are delicious in guacamole, smoothies and on toast, you can also turn leftover avocados into a useful powder.
Homemade avocado powder is easy to make and has a long shelf life. It provides a concentrated source of nutrients that you can add to smoothies, baked goods, salad dressings and more.
Tips for Making Avocado Powder
Follow these tips for best results when making avocado powder:
- Use ripe, fresh avocados. Avoid overripe or damaged fruit.
- Wipe any excess moisture from avocado pieces before dehydrating.
- Stir pieces occasionally during dehydrating to ensure even drying.
- Process in a high-powered blender for a fine, flour-like texture.
- Allow powder to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture build-up.
Experiment with adding spices like cumin or garlic powder before dehydrating for a flavor boost.
Uses for Avocado Powder
Homemade avocado powder is incredibly versatile. It has a mild flavor with nutty, earthy notes. Here are some ideas for how to use it:
- Smoothies: Add 1–2 teaspoons (2–4 grams) per smoothie. Provides creaminess and nutrition.
- Dips: Stir into hummus, salsa or salad dressing recipes.
- Baked goods: Substitute up to 1/4 of the flour in muffins, breads, etc.
- Overnight oats: Mix into chia seeds or oatmeal along with milk.
- Salads: Sprinkle on some avocado powder just before serving.
- Sauces: Whisk a bit into pasta sauce, soup or gravy.
Because it’s powdered, a little goes a long way. Start with 1 teaspoon (2 grams) and add more if needed.
Benefits of Avocado Powder
Avocado powder makes it easy to add nutrition from fresh avocados to your diet. Here are some of the top benefits:
Nutrient-dense: Provides 20+ vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, E, K, B6, niacin, riboflavin, magnesium and potassium. Also contains lutein and zeaxanthin antioxidants important for eye health.
Heart-healthy fats: An excellent source of monounsaturated fatty acids that may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Fiber: Each serving supplies soluble and insoluble fiber important for digestion and feeding good gut bacteria.
Convenient: Shelf-stable and portable. You can stash packets in your purse, desk drawer, etc. for an on-the-go nutrition boost.
Adds creaminess: Makes smoothies, oats, yogurt, sauces, etc. extra thick and creamy.
Subtle flavor: Works well in both sweet and savory dishes without overpowering other ingredients.
While fresh avocados provide the most nutrients, the powder makes a good alternative when you can’t find good avocados in your area.
Homemade Avocado Powder - Recipe
Ingredients
- Avocados
- Baking sheet
- Knife
- Spoon
- Food dehydrator or oven
- Blender or food processor
Instructions
Step 1: Remove the Pit and Peel
- Start by cutting the avocado in half lengthwise around the pit. Twist the halves to separate.
- Use a spoon to scoop out the pit. Be careful not to cut yourself on the pit.
- Use a spoon to scoop the avocado flesh away from the peel. Try to keep the flesh in large pieces as you remove it.
- Place the avocado flesh in a bowl and set aside. Discard the pit and peel.
Step 2: Spread on a Baking Sheet
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the avocado pieces out evenly on the baking sheet.
- Make sure the pieces aren’t overlapping each other, to ensure even drying.
Step 3: Dehydrate or Bake
- You need to dehydrate or bake the avocado pieces to remove moisture before blending them into powder.
- If using an oven: Bake at 200°F (93°C) for 2–4 hours. Check frequently and stir every 30 minutes.
- If using a dehydrator: Dehydrate at 115–125°F (46–52°C) for 8–12 hours. Check every few hours.
- The avocado pieces are ready when they are completely hard and dried out. Baking time varies based on the size and moisture content of the pieces.
Step 4: Process into Powder
- Once the avocado pieces are dehydrated and crispy, you’re ready to make powder.
- A blender or food processor works well. You may need to work in batches if using a smaller appliance.
- Add the dried avocado pieces and process on high speed until a fine powder forms, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- You may need to stop and stir a few times to ensure even grinding. Continue processing until the consistency is similar to flour.
Step 5: Store Properly
- Avocado powder can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
- For maximum freshness and nutrient retention, keep avocado powder in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to 1 month.
- If storing at room temperature, it will stay fresh for 1–2 weeks. Keep it in a sealed container in a cool, dark place.
- Freeze any extra powder you won’t use right away in an airtight bag or container. It keeps well frozen for 4–6 months.
FAQs
What's the best way to dry the avocado pieces?
Using a food dehydrator or baking in the oven between 200–250°F (93–121°C) works well. Dehydrate for 8–12 hours or bake for 2–4 hours, checking frequently, until completely dried out.
How long does homemade avocado powder last?
Properly stored in an airtight container, avocado powder will last 1 month in the fridge or 1–2 weeks at room temperature. For maximum shelf life, keep unused powder frozen.
Can you use unripe avocados to make powder?
Ripe avocados work best. Unripe ones are harder to blend into an even powder and don’t provide the same level of nutrients. Allow avocados to fully ripen on the counter first before making powder.
What’s the best way to use avocado powder in smoothies?
For most smoothies, start with 1 teaspoon (2 grams) of avocado powder per serving. Add up to 2 tablespoons (14 grams) for extra thickness and nutrients. Blend the powder first with any liquid to prevent clumping.
Is it better to buy avocado powder or make your own?
Homemade allows you to control the quality and freshness. However, store-bought powder lets you skip the work. Both provide the nutritional benefits of fresh avocados in an easy-to-use form.
Conclusion
Homemade avocado powder is simple to make and provides a nutrient boost to smoothies, baked goods and other dishes.
It also makes a great pantry staple when fresh avocados are out of season in your area.
While most people compost or discard avocado pits and skins after extracting the flesh, turning them into powder allows you to take advantage of their full nutritional potential.
Give this easy avocado powder recipe a try the next time you have some extra ripe avocados on hand. Enjoy all of the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and healthy fats locked inside this amazing superfruit.