'Faux guacamole' raises alarm for taco lovers as avocado prices soar

High avocado prices have forced some taquerias to substitute squash in their guac recipes – and it’s hard to tell the difference

From horsemeat labeled as beef to tilapia passed off as grouper, fraud has long plagued the food world. Now, taco lovers are crying foul over the discovery that their guacamole might not be what is seems.

First uncovered on social media and reported in Chilango, the magazine that covers Mexico City, some taco stands in Mexico are substituting “calabacitas” – a bright green mexican squash – for pricier avocados in the famous dip. Once boiled and blended up with a holy combination of ingredients – tomatillo, cilantro, garlic and jalapeno – it can be hard to tell the difference.

¿Que edad tenían cuando se enteraron que la salsa de 'aguacate' de los puestos de tacos no tiene aguacate sino calabacita cocida que le da el color y la textura? pic.twitter.com/cy7ZhwaZ4x