Why Your Avocado Has Those Stringy Fibers — And What They Actually Mean

Smell

A fresh avocado usually has a mild smell.

If it smells sour, rancid, fermented, or otherwise unpleasant, don’t take chances. Discard it.

Be Careful With Extensive Dark Discoloration

A small brown area doesn’t necessarily mean the entire avocado is spoiled. Bruising and oxidation can cause localized discoloration.

But if the flesh is extensively dark, mushy, watery, or appears to be breaking down, the avocado may have gone too far.

When in doubt, it’s safer to throw it away.

What About Brown Avocado Flesh?

Brown doesn’t automatically mean rotten.

Once