What’s Guacamole, Technically? (2024)

Along with sizzling fajitas and getting a shrimp flipped into your mouth at Benihana’s, one of the greatest restaurant experiences is tableside guacamole. But have you ever stopped to really think about what goes into it? What is guacamole? What is guacamole made of? And, while we’re asking questions, can you eat brown guacamole? Let’s dip into some answers about guacamole.

What is guacamole?

Guacamole is a dip made out of smashed avocados and a few other ingredients. Guacamole, or guac if you are on a first name basis, originated in Mexican cuisine and became a standalone dip anywhere for any occasion.

What’s in guacamole?

You really only need three things to make guac: avocados, salt, and lime. Avocados doused in salt and lime juice then smashed with a fork, or in a mortar and pestle contraption called a molcajete, will make you a fine guacamole. Remember, always smash that avocado. Never blend and never whip. You can fancy it up with chopped onions, tomatoes, serrano peppers or jalapeno peppers, and cilantro. Maybe add a dash of cumin. Some people go off the deep end with other ingredients like cheese or seeds, or, gasp, peas. But simple is usually best.

What’s Guacamole, Technically? (1)

Best Store Bought Guacamole

What’s the best store bought guacamole? We tasted a bunch of the top brands on the market to find the best guac that actually tastes like avocado.

Where did guacamole originate?

Guacamole comes from Mexico. It was most likely invented by the Aztecs, though it may even be pre-Aztec, as avocado seeds that date back 9,000 years have been found in Mexico’s Tehuacan Valley. The Aztecs called their smashed avocado concoction “ahuacamolli,” a combination of their words ahuacatl for “avocado,” and molli for “sauce.” The Aztec word ahuacatl also means “testicl*,” a reference to avocado’s shape and how it can grow in pairs on trees.

Why does guacamole turn brown and can you eat brown guacamole?

Have you ever cut an avocado and not used all of it? You put the leftover half in the fridge but almost immediately it turns brown. That is perfectly natural and it happens to all of us. It’s just a process called oxidation. This, of course, happens to our guacamole, as well.

So, if you end up with a bowlful of brown guacamole, can you still eat it? Avocados contain an enzyme called ​​polyphenol oxidase. It’s the same thing that’s in apples that makes them turn brown after they’re sliced. That enzyme reacts to oxygen and creates a brown color. Don’t worry about it. A little brown guacamole isn’t going to kill you. Guacamole can stay fresh and tasty, even if it gets a little brown, for around two to three days in your refrigerator. Don’t leave some uncovered guac in your fridge for, like, two weeks then eat it and tell your doctor, “the guy from the guacamole article said it was okay!” I’m not saying that. What I’m saying is, if you made too much guacamole and can’t eat it all within a couple of days, just call me over and I’ll finish it for you.

What’s Guacamole, Technically? (2024)

FAQs

What is considered guacamole? ›

guacamole, a spread or dip made of avocados. Traditionally, guacamole is made with peeled and mashed ripe avocados and salt. Lime juice, cilantro, onion, and hot green peppers, such as serranos and jalapeños, are the most common inclusions. Some recipes call for tomatoes.

What is guacamole explained? ›

/gwækəˈmʌʊleɪ/ Guacamole is an avocado-based dip that's served with tortilla chips at Mexican restaurants. You can often also order your burrito or taco with extra guacamole. Guacamole dates from at least the 1500s, when it was made by the Aztecs in Mexico.

What is the literal translation of guacamole? ›

The name comes from Classical Nahuatl āhuacamōlli [aːwakaˈmoːlːi], which literally translates to 'avocado sauce', from āhuacatl [aːˈwakat͡ɬ] 'avocado' + mōlli [ˈmoːlːi] 'sauce'.

How do you describe guacamole? ›

What is Guacamole? Guacamole is basically mashed, raw avocados mixed with other ingredients to taste. The avocados give guacamole the green base, and other ingredients, such as tomatoes and onions give it some textured flavor. Guacamole is especially popular on Super Bowl Sunday and Cinco de Mayo.

Is guacamole just smashed avocado? ›

What Is Guacamole? Guacamole is an avocado-based dip or spread that originated in Mexico. It's typically made with mashed avocado and lime juice, then seasoned with salt and cilantro. Guacamole often contains tomatoes and onions.

Is guacamole considered mole? ›

For example, guacamole is technically a type of mole made from avocados, but it's typically not included within other types of mole.

What is guacamole vs avocado? ›

What Is the Difference Between Avocado and Guacamole? We know the answer is obvious to most of you, but nevertheless, a lot of people ask this question. The difference between avocado and guacamole is: the first item is a fruit, and the second item is a dip using that fruit.

Is guacamole good or bad for you? ›

"The fiber and healthy fats found in avocados can improve cholesterol, making guacamole a heart-healthy snack or condiment," says Kim Murachver, M.S., RD, LDN, CDE, certified diabetes educator and owner of Greene Nutrition.

Why do Mexicans eat guacamole? ›

AVOCADOS ARE DELICIOUSLY NUTRITIOUS

The avocado finds its origins in South Central Mexico. For this reason, guacamole was created by the Maya Indians who inhabited that region. It contains many natural fats and nutrients in addition to being readily available. It is a high source of carbs and healthy fats.

What is the Webster definition of guacamole? ›

guacamole. noun. gua·​ca·​mo·​le ˌgwäk-ə-ˈmō-lē : spiced mashed avocado that is often served as a spread or dip.

What does guacamole mean in slang? ›

Interjection. holy guacamole. (slang) An exclamation said when surprised, used when in shock or disbelief.

What is the base word for guacamole? ›

The word “guacamole” is a derivation of the Aztec word ahuacamolli, which translates loosely to “avocado soup” or “avocado sauce.”...

Did Aztecs eat guacamole? ›

Guacamole's base ingredient, the avocado, was an important source of sustenance for the Aztecs between the 14th and 16th centuries. In one of their dishes, the Aztecs mashed avocado with a mortar and pestle. They then added chopped tomatoes, green chiles, and salt before enjoying this meal with warm tortillas.

What is the origin of guacamole? ›

Avocados found their origin in Southern Mexico, where they naturally grow. Because of this, guacamole was inherently created by the Aztecs who inhabited that region of Mexico. Avocados contain a lot of health benefits, natural fats, and nutrients.

What is real guacamole made of? ›

Here's all you need for traditional guacamole: ripe avocados, coriander/cilantro, red onions, jalapeño or Serrano chilli, lime and salt. Avoid unnecessary fillers such as sour cream and cream cheese. They only dilute flavour. Popular optional extras include: garlic, tomato, cumin powder.

What's the difference between guacamole and avocado dip? ›

Because guacamole is thicker in texture, it makes it great for filling a burrito or wrap – where avocado salsa could easily drip out if it's too thin and can make the burrito soggy. Avocado salsa is great for topping on soft tacos and even dipping in crunchy rolled taquitos.

Is guacamole always avocado? ›

First off, both are traditional Mexican foods made with natural ingredients – and both are delicious. Guacamole is a spread made with avocado, lime juice, onions, tomato, and jalapenos.

Is Taco Bell guacamole real avocado? ›

Add the fact that our guacamole is made with real Haas avocados and you've got a taste-bud symphony going on here.

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