This archive report was first published on 6 August 2019.
Guacamole Shortage Forces Restaurants to Get Creative ¶
As the price of avocados continues to rise, restaurants are finding ways to substitute the expensive ingredient with other vegetables, creating a 'fake guacamole' that's almost as good as the real thing.
According to a report by NPR, wholesale avocado prices from Mexico have increased by 91 percent in the past year, with a 24-pound carton of midsize avocados costing around $66.
As a result, restaurants are getting creative with their guacamole recipes, using ingredients like Mexican summer squash, broccoli, and green peas to create a similar taste and texture.
"The secret ingredient that I'm sure, you know, no taqueria would ever be 100% proud to admit is Mexican summer tender, little squash," said Javier Cabral, editor of L.A Taco, in an interview with NPR's All Things Considered.
Restaurants like Chacho's in Texas are even creating their own 'guacamole type' products using spices, broccoli, and other green vegetables.
"The recent situation is that we are between growing seasons in California and Mexico, so there has been virtually no avocados available," the restaurant explained in an email to the San Antonio Express-News.
While these imposter dips may not satisfy guacamole enthusiasts, they do have one upside: they're loaded with good-for-you veggies.
