Avocados are delicious and healthy, but eating one that’s gone bad can ruin your meal—or worse, make you sick. Knowing how to check for spoilage helps you avoid wasted money, stomachaches, and the disappointment of biting into a rotten avocado. Let’s break down the signs so you never have to guess again.

How to Tell If Your Avocado Has Gone Bad

Avocados change in color, texture, and smell as they spoil. A fresh avocado feels slightly firm but yields to gentle pressure. If it’s mushy, has dark spots inside, or smells sour, it’s likely unsafe to eat. Mold, either on the skin or under the stem, is another clear red flag. Trust your senses: if something feels off, it probably is.

Why Checking Avocados Matters

Eating spoiled avocados can cause food poisoning symptoms like nausea or diarrhea. By spotting bad fruit early, you protect your health and avoid wasting money on groceries you can’t use. Plus, perfectly ripe avocados taste better in recipes, so knowing how to pick them ensures your meals stay delicious.

Signs of a Bad Avocado

Sign What to Check What It Means
Color Dark brown or black spots under the skin Rotting flesh
Texture Mushy, stringy, or overly soft Overripe or spoiled
Stem Area Mold or discoloration under the stem Early spoilage
Smell Sour, fermented, or chemical odor Bacterial growth
Mold Fuzzy white/green spots on skin or flesh Throw it away immediately

How to Check an Avocado Step by Step

  1. Check the color: Avoid avocados with large dark patches or sunken areas.
  2. Press gently: It should feel soft but not squishy. Hard avocados need more time to ripen.
  3. Remove the stem: Pop off the small stem at the top. If the area underneath is brown, it’s overripe. Green means it’s fresh.
  4. Smell it: A sour or off-putting odor means it’s bad.
  5. Cut it open: If you see mold, stringy fibers, or discolored flesh, discard the avocado.

Remember

When in doubt, throw it out. Eating questionable avocados isn’t worth the risk. If you accidentally eat spoiled avocado and experience vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps, drink water and rest. Consult a doctor if symptoms worsen or last longer than a day. Always prioritize fresh produce and store avocados properly to extend their shelf life.