Guacamole dip with avocado, lime, tomato, cilantro, and tortilla chips
Food - Drink
Stop Using Lemon Or Lime In Your Guacamole. Here’s What To Do Instead.
By KATIE LENHARDT
Guacamole with lime in a dish next to a spoon
Avocados are paired with lemon or lime juice in guacamole because the acidity cuts through the avocado mash's natural richness. While a squeeze of citrus certainly makes your guacamole taste like you're used to, and helps to preserve its green color, some argue that the raw, natural essence of an avocado should be left alone.
Bowl of guacamole with sliced avocado
Using avocados as a topping or sauce likely originated from Aztec civilization, with the oldest recipes consisting of mashed avocados and chile peppers. Modern guacamole isn’t approved by some traditionalists, and making it as the Aztecs did lets the rich taste and texture of avocados shine without overpowering citrus juice.
Guacamole and tortilla chip in a clay dish
Mashed avocado with a sprinkle of salt does not equal guacamole, so instead of lemon or lime juice, try other ingredients that complement the avocados while still forming an exciting dip. Consider chipotle or poblano peppers, which elevate the buttery flavors of the green fruit, while also bringing the heat you might like in your guacamole.