How long can avocados stay in the fridge?
In this brief guide, we will answer the query, “how long can avocados stay in the fridge?”. Moreover, we will talk about different storage options to maximise its lifespan.
How long can avocados stay in the fridge?
Storing avocados in the refrigerator helps in the slowing of the ripening process of the fruit. The shelf life of the avocados in the fridge if they are ripe and the whole is about 3-4 days but if you have cut them in half or mashed them up then they would start to go brown in 1-2 days.
Using brown paper bags to store whole avocados in the refrigerator will help extend the shelf life for a few more days. Cut or sliced avocados’ freshness can also be extended by storing them in airtight containers or wrapping them with cling wrap to avoid oxidation which makes the avocado go brown.
When you are out grocery shopping and see these green avocados in the fruit section and are tempted to buy loads of them but are always worried about them going brown and getting wasted. Taking good care while storing them in a proper manner will definitely extend its shelf life by a couple of days.
Storing avocados in the fridge is the best way to maximise their life but will not stop the ripening process. The fridge slows the ripening process.
How to keep avocados fresh for longer?
Keeping avocados fresh for longer is not that hard if you know the right methods of storing them. Here we will discuss the ways avocados can be stored so that we can enjoy the buttery and creamy goodness full of nutrients for a longer period of time.
Countertop/kitchen table
Avocados should be let stay at room temperature on the kitchen counter to ripen if you are planning to eat them in the next few days, precisely 2-3 days. Placing the avocados in brown paper bags will help them ripen faster.
Fridge
Storing avocados in the fridge can sound absurd to some, but it is normal to do so to extend their shelf life by a few more days. Placing avocados in the fridge slows the ripening process because avocados love being in warmer temperatures to ripen.
Freezer
Yes, you can absolutely freeze avocados. But keep in mind not to freeze the whole ones. Always freeze the pureed or mashed avocados in airtight containers or in ziplock bags. Adding a bit of citrus i.e lime or lemon juice to it will maintain the green colour of avocados.
How to refrigerate avocados after cutting them in half?
The flesh of avocado when exposed to air starts a chemical reaction which is called oxidation which is the reason they get brown when cut open. It is no secret that avocados are delicate and can quickly change colour after being cut from a beautiful green to an unpleasant brown.
Few ideas to avoid avocado to brown after being cut or mashed are discussed here.
Lemon or lime juice
Using lemon or lime juice helps the browning process to slow because the acidity of the citrus stops the enzymes that help avocados to brown. It is the best way of keeping the guacamole or mashed avocado to its original form.
Wrapping it up
The idea is to stop the oxygen from coming in contact with the exposed flesh of the avocados. The cut avocados need to be tightly wrapped with cling wraps or aluminium foil can also be used.
Can you freeze avocados?
Freezing avocados is probably the best way to store them for long term consumption. Avocados in the freezer can be stored for about 5-6 months. After that, they will lose their integrity and won’t taste or look the same. Avocados can be frozen depending on what you want to do with them later.
If you use it as a spread or for a smoothie then mashing or pureeing and freezing with a bit of lemon or lime juice mixed together will conserve its colour and texture for later use.
Whole ripe avocados can also be frozen and can be thawed when needed. But one should keep in mind that, when freezing fruit or vegetables, the process draws a lot of water content.
As a result, the thawed fruit will feel more watery or mushy than the naturally ripened fruit. The same applies to the frozen whole avocado, so if you are after a good slice of avocado then freezing whole would not be an option.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the query, “how long can avocados stay in the fridge?”. We also talked about different storage options to maximise its lifespan.
I hope to find this blog useful. If you have any questions, please let us know.
