But the fruit (yepnot a veggie!

But the story can change once you get home and slice it open.

Most of the time, you’ll find bright green, creamy flesh.

a photo of someone slicing avocado and scooping it into a bowl

Photo: Getty Images

But sometimes, even a perfectly ripe avocado will reveal an interior that includes some stringy brown strips.

You don’t want to waste your money by tossing it all away, right?

What Are the Brown Strips in an Avocado?

Those fibrous strips are just the avocado doing its thing to grow up big and strong.

They’re actually called “vascular bundles.”

Like veins do in our body, they carry nutrients and water.

For a baby avocado blossom growing on a tree,they’re necessary to ensure proper growth and development.

“Fibrous strands in avocados are a relatively rare occurrence,” Splane says.

What causes these unsightly bits in an otherwise-perfect avocado?

Usually, it’s ageas in youth, not old age.

“Those strands are generally found in fruit from immature trees,” he explains.

you could also zero in on certain varieties of avocado to reduce the odds of getting a stringy one.

Widely availableHass avocadosare generally considered to be the least stringy, so they’re a good bet.

(But don’t sleep onStewarts, since they’re still known for their rich and nutty flavor.)

Is It OK to Eat Avocado with Brown Strings?

In a word, yes.

“Although these fibers may be unsightly, they are safe for consumption,” Splane says.

you’re able to apply your own common sense to the issue, too.

Their stringy texture makes them a less-than-ideal addition to your meal.

Avocados Are a Bright Green SuperfoodStrings or Not!

Just press the avocado flesh through a sieve and enjoy that freshly mashed avocado.