The Best Way To Use Costco's Frozen Avocado Chunks

Money doesn't grow on trees, but avocados do. And with their bright green color and creamy texture, they may be even better. When ripe, there's no need for pretense; avocados are perfect by themselves. A little lemon, a sprinkle of salt, and a spoon are all you need to revel in the avocado's rich flavor.

Of course, if you're a fan of avocados, then this might sound familiar: You need some avocado, but all the ones at the grocery store are as hard as rocks. Or maybe you forgot the ones left ripening on the kitchen counter, and their brief moment of perfection has passed. It happens to the best of us — and there's nothing sadder than an avo that doesn't get to live up to its potential. 

Costco offers a solution to this problem: frozen avocado chunks. Readily available in the freezer section of the fan-favorite warehouse store, they offer a way to have ripe avocados on hand. They don't work for everything, but you can still maximize their utility.

Frozen avocado is a game-changer, but it's not without limitations. According to The Kitchn, Costco's frozen avos are preserved with ascorbic acid, which results in a "sour-ish, tart aftertaste". Logically, that makes sense; ascorbic acid is the same thing that works in lemon juice to keep avocados from turning brown. That's not the only thing to consider when reaching for the bag in the freezer; it turns out that freezing them also changes the texture.

Costco's frozen avocado chunks aren't the answer if you're looking to enjoy avocados in their freshest, best form. That doesn't mean they don't have a use, though — it's just a matter of picking the right dish. 

Because they have a tangy, sour bite to them, the answer is to use them in plates that are already heavy on the acidity. Masking the flavor of the avocados with acid that's already there lets the creaminess come out without an off-putting flavor that might detract from the dish.

When it comes to acidic dishes, it's hard to think of one more quintessential than ceviche. Ceviche is a classic dish that starts with raw seafood, which is "cooked" by the addition of acid (usually lemon or lime juice). It's bright, full of flavor, and fresh. It's also the perfect way to use that bag of frozen avo chunks. The avocado adds some texture and balance to the fish, and the tangy dressing will hide the sour bite from the freezing process.

Don't worry if you're not a seafood fan; ceviche isn't your only option. The other way to use those frozen chunks is by adding them to your next smoothie. Fill the blender with your favorite bright fruits, such as strawberry and kiwi, and toss in some avocado chunks. The avocado's acidity will blend in, while ensuring your smoothie is thick and delicious. 

Regardless of how you use them, you can be confident that those frozen avocado chunks won't go to waste. It's another win for Costco and your freezer.