Eva Longoria's secret to evergreen guacamole revealed

Eva Longoria, renowned for her role as Gabrielle Solis in the beloved series "Desperate Housewives," published a cookbook in 2011. Among its treasures, she revealed a guacamole recipe that astonishingly never turns brown. But how is this feat achieved?

Guacamole, a highlight of Mexican cuisine, has captured palates globally thanks to its rich blend of flavors and creamy texture. Traditionally accompanied by tortilla chips, it’s versatile enough to complement almost any snack or dish. Despite its popularity, guacamole’s tendency to quickly lose its vibrant green hue can be disheartening. However, Longoria’s trick promises to preserve its freshness and color.

At its core, Guacamole marries ripe avocado with lime juice and salt—a formula cherished since the Aztec era. Over time, ingredients such as ripe tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and garlic have been introduced, enriching its taste and texture. While guacamole welcomes various additions, its simplest version remains a favorite for many.

Preparing it at home is straightforward. It requires only a few key ingredients like ripe avocados—Hass being a preferred variety—along with cherry tomatoes, a red onion, and fresh cilantro, enhancing the guacamole with freshness.

To prevent guacamole from browning, Longoria swaps lime juice with lemon juice. The acids in lemon juice reduce the avocado’s pH, protecting it from oxidation, which is responsible for the browning. A hint of lemon juice also introduces a subtle tartness that complements the avocado’s creaminess.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe avocados
• 2 ripe tomatoes (cherry tomatoes preferred if off-season)
• 1 large red onion
• 1/4 bunch of fresh cilantro
• 1/2 a serrano pepper
• Juice of 2 lemons
• Salt
• Pepper

Preparation:

1. Halve the avocados and scoop their flesh into a bowl. Mash until smooth, then stir in the lemon juice.
2. Dice the tomatoes, onion, and serrano pepper finely before adding them to the mashed avocado.
3. Add chopped cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve with your choice of bread, toasted tortilla, or fresh vegetables.