Avocado Slices

Ingredients

• 1/2ripe avocado

Instructions

1. 1

   Check the avocado

   Choose a ripe avocado that gives slightly when pressed gently.

2. 2

   Halve and pit

   Cut the avocado in half lengthways and remove the pit.

3. 3

   Score the flesh

   With the flesh still in its skin, cut it lengthways into long strips.

4. 4

   Scoop out strips

   Use a large spoon to lift the strips from the skin.

5. 5

   Serve straight away

   Serve immediately to limit browning. If you are not serving it straight away, a light squeeze of lemon juice can help.

What are avocado slices?

Avocado slices are simply ripe avocado cut into strips. Avocados originated in Central America, and this no-cook preparation is a straightforward way to offer the fruit as a first food when a baby is ready for solids.

The recipe relies on ripe flesh, which is soft enough to scoop and serve without cooking. Long strips are easy for an adult to prepare and can be offered in a shape a baby can grasp.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 120 calories, 2g protein, 6g carbs, 11g fat.

Most of this serving's energy comes from the avocado's fat, with a smaller amount of carbohydrate and very little protein. For a more varied meal, offer it alongside an age-appropriate source of iron and other foods your baby is ready to eat.

Choosing a ripe avocado

Ripeness: Pick an avocado that yields slightly to gentle pressure, rather than one that feels hard or very squishy. If it is firm, leave it at room temperature until it softens.

Cutting tidy strips

Keep the skin on: Halve the avocado and remove the pit before scoring the flesh. Cutting it into strips while it is still in the skin makes it easier to scoop them out in one piece.

Serving and texture

Soft flesh: Ripe avocado should be tender and easy to mash with gentle pressure. If the flesh is hard, wait until it ripens rather than trying to serve it as strips.

At the table: Serve the strips promptly, and supervise your baby while they eat. Follow your usual guidance for introducing solids and appropriate food shapes.

Keeping the colour fresh

Timing: The cut surface can brown after exposure to air, so serve the avocado straight after preparing it. A little lemon juice may slow the browning if there is a short delay.

What to serve it with

Simple pairing: This is a one-ingredient food, so it can be served on its own or alongside another age-appropriate food your baby has already tried. Keep the avocado strips separate if you want to see how your baby responds to them.

Recipe notes & tips

• Choose an avocado that yields gently to pressure.
• Use a large spoon to remove the scored strips without crushing them.
• Prepare the avocado just before serving to keep it looking fresh.
• If there is a brief wait before serving, use a light squeeze of lemon juice as suggested in the method.
• Stay with your baby while they eat.

Variations

• Mash it: Mash the ripe flesh with a fork if a different texture suits your baby's stage.
• Add lemon: Use a light squeeze of lemon juice if the avocado will not be served straight away.
• Serve with other foods: Pair it with another age-appropriate food your baby has already tried.
• Try thicker strips: Cut broader strips if they are easier for your baby to grasp.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using an unripe avocado: Wait until it gives gently to pressure so the flesh is soft.
• Cutting without removing the pit: Halve the avocado and take out the pit before scoring.
• Removing the skin too early: Score the flesh while it is still in the skin, then scoop out the strips.
• Leaving it exposed: Serve promptly to limit browning.
• Leaving a baby unattended: Stay close and supervise while the food is being eaten.

How to store

Avocado slices are best served immediately, as the cut surface browns with exposure to air. If needed, cover and refrigerate promptly, then serve soon; the texture and colour may change, and reheating is not necessary.

Frequently asked questions