How to Keep Avocado Fresh: Easy Tips and Tricks

Avocados are heavenly rich fruits that can complement almost any meal. Whether you slice them over toast, whip them into guacamole or add them to salads, their buttery texture and delicious taste can liven up any dish. But avocados can go bad very quickly if not stored properly or if opened and left in the fridge. In this article, we will share easy tips and tricks to keep avocado fresh and prevent it from turning brown, including storing them in different ways, and what you can do with an opened avocado.

Why Do Avocados Turn Brown?

Have you ever opened an avocado in the morning for breakfast, only to discover that by evening, it had turned brown? Don’t worry; that is normal. Avocados turn brown due to a reaction with oxygen, a process known as oxidation. Once the flesh of the avocado gets exposed to air, enzymes in the avocado tissue start reacting with oxygen, causing the flesh to turn brown.

How to Keep Unripe Avocados Fresh?

Unripe avocados can be stored at room temperature until they become ripe. You can identify a ripe avocado by pressing gently on its skin; if it yields to pressure, it is ripe. If it is too hard, it is not yet ripe, and if too soft, it is overripe. If you have unripe avocados and would like to keep them fresh for longer, try putting them in a paper bag with an apple or a banana. Fruits like apples and bananas emit ethylene gas, which triggers the ripening process, so placing an avocado with one of these fruits can speed up the ripening process by 1-2 days.

How to Store Ripe Avocados?

If you have ripe avocados that you don’t want to eat right away, it is best to store them in the fridge. You can store them as is or slice them in half and remove the pit. To store a sliced avocado, sprinkle some lime or lemon juice over the flesh, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container to prevent air from getting inside.

How to Store Cut Avocados?

If you have an open avocado that you did not finish, you can store it to prevent it from turning brown. Squeeze some lime or lemon juice over the flesh to reduce oxidation and wrap the fruit tightly in cling film, making sure there is no air inside. Place the wrapped avocado in the fridge until you are ready to use it. It will keep fresh for 1-2 days.

How to Store Avocado in the Freezer?

If you have too many ripe avocados that you won’t be able to use before they go bad, you can store them in the freezer. To do this, cut the avocados into halves, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh out with a spoon. Place the avocado flesh in a plastic container or a freezer bag and add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to each half to prevent oxidation. Press as much air out of the container or bag as possible and seal it tightly. Frozen avocados can last for up to 6 months.

How to Revive a Brown Avocado?

If you have left your avocado open for too long, and it has turned brown, you can still revive it. Here are two easy methods you can try:

The Water Method

  1. Fill a bowl with ice-cold water.
  2. Place the brown avocado half in the water.
  3. Allow the avocado to soak in the water for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Remove the avocado half from the water and pat it dry with a paper towel.

The Onion Method

  1. Take a red or white onion and cut it into thick wedges.
  2. Place the cut pieces in a container or a bag.
  3. Add the avocado half to the container or bag and seal it tightly.
  4. Leave the avocado for at least an hour, and the onion will absorb the gas that causes the avocado to brown.
  5. Remove the avocado and discard the onion wedges.

How to Tell if an Avocado is Spoiled?

There are several signs that an avocado is no longer good to eat:

  • The flesh of the avocado has turned brown or black and has an unusual odor.
  • The flesh of the avocado feels excessively soft, mushy or slimy.
  • The avocado has mold on the skin or flesh.
  • The taste of the avocado is off, or it tastes sour or acidic.

The Bottom Line

Avocados are delightful fruits that can add so much flavor and richness to your meals. By following these easy tips and tricks to keep avocado fresh, you can enjoy them without worrying about wasting money on spoiled avocados. Give them a try, and you will be amazed at how easy it is to store avocados and keep them fresh for longer.

Common Questions on How to Preserve Open Avocado:

  • How can I store cut avocado?
  • What can I do with a leftover avocado?
  • How long does an avocado last in the fridge?
  • What happens if you eat a bad avocado?
  • Can I freeze avocado?
  • How can I keep avocado from turning brown?
  • Can I eat an avocado that has turned brown?
  • How do I know when an avocado is ripe?
  • What are the signs that an avocado is spoiled?
  • How long can I store avocados in the freezer?

References:

1. “How to Keep Avocado Fresh for Longer.” Bon Appétit, 10 Sept. 2020, https://www.bonappetit.com/story/how-to-keep-avocado-fresh

2. “How To Keep Avocados From Turning Brown.” HuffPost Life, 3 Oct. 2018, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-keep-avocados-from_b_6819382/amp

3. “How to Store Avocados So They Don’t Turn Brown.” RealSimple, 7 May 2020, https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/cooking-tips-techniques/preparation/how-store-avocado

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