National Guacamole Day is celebrated every year on September 16th, honoring one of the most beloved dips around: creamy, flavorful guacamole made from ripe avocados.
History of National Guacamole Day
Guacamole has ancient roots, originating with the Aztecs in what is now central Mexico centuries before Spanish colonization. The word “guacamole” comes from the Nahuatl word “ahuacamolli,” a combination of “ahuacatl” (avocado) and “molli” (sauce), reflecting its Aztec origins. The Aztecs prepared an early version of the dish using mashed avocados, often combined with tomatoes and chili peppers, ingredients still central to guacamole today.
Guacamole gained significant popularity in the United States throughout the 20th century, particularly growing alongside the broader rise of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. National Guacamole Day falls fittingly close to Mexican Independence Day, celebrated on September 16th as well, giving the dish an extra layer of cultural connection to the date.
How to Celebrate National Guacamole Day
- Make a batch of fresh guacamole from scratch (recipe below)
- Try a new guacamole variation or mix-in you haven’t tried before
- Visit a local Mexican restaurant known for great guacamole
- Pair guacamole with a variety of dippers, from chips to fresh vegetables
- Share your guacamole creation on social media using #NationalGuacamoleDay
Simple Fresh Guacamole Recipe
Ingredients (makes about 2 cups):
- 3 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup finely diced white onion
- 1-2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Instructions:
- Cut avocados in half, remove pits, and scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl.
- Mash avocados with a fork to your desired consistency, leaving it chunky or smooth as preferred.
- Add onion, tomato, jalapeño if using, and cilantro, and gently stir to combine.
- Add lime juice and salt, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips, or press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to minimize browning if storing briefly.
Fun Facts About Guacamole
- The word “guacamole” comes from the Nahuatl word “ahuacamolli,” combining the words for avocado and sauce.
- Guacamole’s origins trace back to the Aztecs, who prepared an early version of the dish centuries before Spanish colonization.
- Pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface of guacamole helps slow oxidation and browning by limiting air exposure.
- Avocados are technically classified as a fruit, specifically a large berry with a single seed.
- Millions of pounds of avocados are consumed in the United States around major events like the Super Bowl, largely for guacamole.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Guacamole Day?
National Guacamole Day is celebrated annually on September 16th.
Why does guacamole turn brown?
Avocados oxidize when exposed to air, causing the greenish flesh to brown. Adding lime or lemon juice and minimizing air exposure, such as with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface, helps slow this process.
Is guacamole healthy?
Avocados, the main ingredient in guacamole, are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and various vitamins, though portion size matters since avocados are also calorie-dense.