Avocados are such a finicky fruit: they’re a vibrant green for what feels like a split second in time, and before you know it, they’re overripe and browned. Generally speaking, an avocado is most enjoyable when it reaches its peak ripeness. What does that look like for those who haven’t mastered the touch-and-feel litmus test? If an avocado is a darker green on the outside and yields to firm pressure, it’s ripe and ready to be enjoyed. If you apply pressure and it turns to putty (exaggeration here), it’s overripe. But don’t toss it just yet.

Overripe avocados are far from useless, and while they shouldn’t be consumed fresh over Texas-sized toast, they still have their place in this world. Here are seven surefire ways to get the most out of an overripe avocado.

Make chocolate goodies

Avocado is among those classified as healthy fats. So, why not swap out the oils for your favorite brownie or chocolate mousse recipes for some avocado? Overripe avocados offer a rich flavor, unique texture, sublime sweetness, and moisture, all without compromising what you love about your favorite desserts. Avocado both enhances and softens the best elements of chocolate, giving the illusion that it’s not in the dish at all but working hard to make it taste absolutely divine. Try out this recipe from Well Plated.

Make a hair mask

The moisturizing fats and vitamin E in the avocado make this fruit a fantastic ingredient and key player in regenerative hair health. There are plenty of DIY hair masks you can try, but we love this Whipped Avocado Honey and Olive Oil Deep Conditioning Hair Mask recipe. It combines the fat of avocado with olive oil, an extremely hydrating ingredient, and honey, a sweet ingredient packed with scalp-strengthening vitamins.

Make pasta sauce

Avocado yields such a creamy texture when blended down, which is why it makes for a great addition to pasta sauce. Because of its texture, you can make a sauce without butter or oils for a more nutritious, fresh, and satisfying meal. There are several recipes to draw inspiration from, but we’re drooling over this Avocado Pasta from Damn Delicious.

Make a face mask

You know a face mask is going to be good for you (and your skin too) when it’s made up of things from your kitchen. The same elements that make avocado good for your hair apply to the skin, and when combined with ingredients like yogurt, oats, honey, and coconut oil — well, you’ll just have to try it to find out. If you need somewhere to start, check out this DIY Oatmeal Avocado Mask.

Make an avocado smoothie

Smoothies are a simple and efficient way to pack all the good stuff into one single glass. You can combine your anti-inflammatory foods (berries, leafy greens, and ginger) with avocado — packed with vitamin K, folate, and 708 mg of potassium! Throw it together when you’re having an on-the-go morning to get the vital nutrients you need for the day. The overripeness of the avocado will make for a soft, creamy smoothie.

Make salad dressing

If you take anything away from this article it’s this: avocado can be so, so creamy. If you’re someone who favors dressing that lingers on the leaves versus a vinaigrette that gathers at the bottom of the bowl, try using avocado the next time you’re whipping up dressing from scratch. As always, there are plenty of recipes but this Creamy Avocado Salad Dressing has your name written all over it.

Make cool things

Once you’ve figured out how to make the most of your overripe avocado, don’t be quick to throw out the pits. When you boil the pits, they brew a stunning pink dye that can be applied to your favorite white garments. While your dye takes hold, use additional pits to make tea. Chop up the pits until they’re fine, and boil them in hot water for an easy remedy.

Do you have tips on how to use overripe avocados? Weigh in on the comments below!

xx, The FabFitFun Team