A-LIST A-TIPS
What's an expert without their advice? A guac expert is no different. This is your new go-to place where you can learn to become a guac connoisseur, just like me. Dig into my extensive list of tricks and learn the amazing art of guac and social media.
Meet Jax - The Guac Expert
I’m Jax — Guac World's resident guacamole expert. My digital DNA is encoded with all things guacamole; think the latest guac recipes and ideas, all gathered from across the internet every day. My sole purpose is to explore this never-ending wealth of guacamole knowledge and inspiration and then collect it all in one place for you (right here, in Avocado Kitchen). You could say I’m a little guac-obsessed, but I'm just programmed this way. Still, I take it as a compliment.
Avocados From Mexico created me specifically so that you can make the greatest guacamole. And I truly believe the only thing better than a big bowl of guac is sharing tips and tricks for mashing it up in exciting new ways that keep your life balanced and delicious (and your family and friends impressed) to the best of your own guacability.
When I'm not working on new recipes and tips, I like long walks on Guacapulco beach (food truck tacos in hand), catching a movie at Guac Theater, and keeping my habits as healthy as an avocado. Care to join me?
Tip #1
How to ripen your
avocado/tell if it's
ripe for your shoot
For faster ripening:
- Place your avocado in a brown bag with a banana. Ripe bananas release gasses that help speed up the process, and the bag traps them in. Apples work too!
To tell if it's ripe:
- Color: Typically, a ripe avocado will have a darker brown color, as opposed to a green skin.
- Feel: Ripe avocados should feel soft, but not mushy!
- Another trick to try is take off the stem cap at the top of the avocado. If it's easily removed and green underneath, you're ready to get guacin'.
Tip #2
Tips to keep your
pic-worthy avocado
fresh for longer.
Never let your guac go brown at your get-togethers again.
- Squeeze in some lemon juice
- Spritz the top with a little olive oil
Tip #3
How to create photo-worthy
avocado slices.
When it comes to guacamole, it's easy to scoop out the meat of the avocado and mash it up, but sometimes you want to top your guac with the perfect slices or diced avocado. Follow my tips to get the photo - worthy cuts
- Start by cutting your avocado in half: When you hit pit, rotate your avocado around to complete the halving process.
- Extract the pit by piercing it with your knife and twist to remove it.
- When dicing: Score the halves, in both directions to create a grid, then scoop the cubes out carefully using a large spoon.
- When slicing: Remove the halves from the skin whole, using your large spoon, and then lay them on their flat side and carefully slice.
Tip #4
Photo-worthy ideas for
dippers other than chips.
Bored of the usual tortilla chips? The list of dippers is endless, here are some of my favorites:
- Shrimp
- Carrot chips
- Zucchini sticks
- Sliced bell peppers
- Pita chips
- Taro chips
- Crackers
- Celery
Tip #5
How to dress up your
guac with veggies that
make it pop!
When hosting, it's important that the food is delicious, but also it has to look insta-worthy. You can always add a sprinkle of pico, but feel free to get creative to make your dip picture-perfect (and extra delicious)!
- Holiday party? Try pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.
- Want to add a kick? Diced jalapeños should do the trick!
- If sweet and salty is your thing, diced mango can mix it up!
- Adding a spoonful of sweet corn to the top can bring in a delicious and insta-worthy pop.
Tip #6
You've already got the guac, here are a few tips and tricks to plan your party around the perfect dip.
Tip #6
You've already got the guac, here are a few tips and tricks to plan your party around the perfect dip.
- Find the perfect location. Just having an at home get-together, or do you need to rent a high-end venue?
- Choose a theme. For me, the themes of my parties are usually all around the guac recipe!
- Set some time to decorate. Make sure there are photo ops around every corner.
- Don't stop at guac. Make sure you have other delicious snacks that pair well with your dip!
Tip #7
How to set the scene for the perfect guac photoshoot.
- You may love to mix it up in your old trusty bowl, but when it comes to getting the perfect shot for your feed, I always like to transfer my dip to something more festive. Gameday guac always looks picture-perfect in my football-shaped dish!
- If you really want your followers to try out your recipe, always include your dipping vehicle in the shot. See my dipper and topper tips for ideas that will bring some color to your spread!
- Nothing says guac like a classic molcajete. Don't be afraid to include your tools in the shot, it always gives your followers a better idea of how to make it just like the experts!
Tip #8
How to capture that perfect shot of your guac.
- Always shoot your latest recipes during the day so you can capture the dip in natural light.
- Don't forget to prep your dippers around the dip for an appetizing addition.
- Sprinkle a little pico de gallo on top for a final touch
Tip #9
How to create the perfect guac pun to pair with you post.
When you're talking guac captions, it's okay to get a little avo-control with the puns. If you get stumped, think about songs, common phrases and maybe incorporate your favorite guac ingredient! Now you're ready to guac and roll!
Tip #10
Create the perfect hashtag to personalize your guac feed and get all of the exposure.
Of course, when choosing your hashtag to pair with your latest creation, it's important to include the most important word, "guac." After that, think about if your guac is made for a special occasion! Try some of my favorites:
- #GuacWorld
- #Guac
- #AFMGuac
- #GamedayGuac
- #GuacExpert
- #AvocadosFromMexico
Tip #11
Keep your guac grid fresh.
- Don't let your grid get dull, make sure to switch it up from guac flat lays to recipe videos, never putting two of the same next to each other.
-
One of the easiest ways to make sure your feed is clean but varies is by following a pattern.
I like to use this one:- Recipe/tips video, event photo (or any photo including people), flat lay from your latest shoot.
- Although you want diverse content, you want to keep a consistent look and style. Find a filter you like and apply it to all your pics and videos!
Tip #12
When to post your creation to reach the largest audience.
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday are the busiest times on Instagram for AFM fans.
- It's best not to post during the early morning or late-night hours.
- Weekdays between 10am-3pm is prime time for your latest guac-tent.