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How to Keep Your Avocados Green and Fresh for Up to a Year: Expert Strategies Revealed

The following are simple ways to store avocados that will ensure they retain their color and delicious flavor.

9 October, 2023

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Beat the Heat with a Refreshing Salad, Moms!

Avocados are a summer staple, and their creamy texture and versatile nature make them a favorite for many. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, avocados are a nutritious addition to any meal. But their season is fleeting, lasting only a few months. So, how can we enjoy avocados all year round?

There are numerous ways to preserve avocados, ensuring a constant supply of this delicious fruit. Read on for some simple yet effective methods to keep avocados fresh and flavorful.

Freeze Your Avocados

With Lemon Juice:
This method is simple and effective. Cut avocados in half, brush the exposed flesh with lemon juice, and place them in a ziplock bag in the freezer. Alternatively, blend avocados with a few drops of lemon juice, then freeze the mixture in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a ziplock bag. This method will keep your avocados fresh for up to a year!

Don’t worry, the lemon juice won’t make your avocados sour. Instead, it will help maintain their vibrant green color and prevent discoloration. It also preserves the avocado’s delicious flavor and nutritional value.

As seen in the images, avocados retain their vibrant color even after thawing, making them perfect for smoothies, ice cream, or salads.

With Olive Oil:
Instead of lemon juice, you can use olive oil as a preservative. Brush the cut surface of avocados with olive oil, place them in a ziplock bag, and freeze. The olive oil creates a protective barrier, preventing discoloration and maintaining the avocado’s flavor.

This preservation method is ideal for making sauces, such as pasta sauces, salad dressings, or hamburger toppings.

Thawing Frozen Avocados

To thaw frozen avocados, simply immerse the ziplock bag or container in warm water for about two hours. Then, remove the avocados, scrape off any discolored parts, and use them as desired.

Storing Avocados in the Fridge

Another option is to store avocados in an airtight container with an onion. Onions release sulfur compounds that inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria, helping to keep avocados fresh for longer. While this method doesn’t completely eliminate spoilage, it significantly slows down the process.

Place an onion wedge (cut into quarters) in a container with your avocados and seal it tightly before placing it in the fridge. This method can keep avocados fresh for up to a week. It’s perfect for using avocados in savory dishes like sandwiches, sushi rolls, or salmon and avocado wraps.

Avocados add a creamy texture and healthy fats to sandwiches, making them more indulgent and satisfying.

Frequently asked questions

There are a few simple and effective methods to preserve avocados. You can cut them in half and brush the exposed flesh with lemon juice before placing them in a ziplock bag in the freezer. Alternatively, blend avocados with lemon juice and freeze the mixture in ice cube trays, then transfer the cubes to a ziplock bag. You can also use olive oil as a preservative by brushing it on the cut surface of avocados before freezing. Another option is to store avocados in an airtight container with an onion, as onions release sulfur compounds that inhibit mold and bacteria growth.

Lemon juice helps maintain the vibrant green color of avocados and prevents discoloration. It also preserves the avocado’s flavor and nutritional value. On the other hand, olive oil creates a protective barrier, preventing discoloration and maintaining the avocado’s flavor, making it ideal for creating sauces.

To thaw frozen avocados, immerse the ziplock bag or container in warm water for about two hours. Then, simply remove the avocados and scrape off any discolored parts before using them in your desired dish.

The lemon juice method can keep avocados fresh for up to a year in the freezer. Storing avocados with an onion in an airtight container can prolong their freshness for up to a week in the fridge.

Avocados are a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal. They are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Avocados provide a creamy texture and healthy fats, making dishes more indulgent and satisfying. They are versatile and can be used in salads, smoothies, ice cream, sauces, sandwiches, sushi rolls, and more.