Anyone who has ever bought an avocado will know all too well about how quickly they turn brown. Before you know it, it’s time to throw it away, wasting both food and money.
Thankfully though, there is a hack you can try to prevent this from happening – and you may even be able to keep them up to 2 weeks long.
“Avocados are one of the most wasted foods because of their speedy ripening process,” explains a waste management specialist at Wheeldon Brothers. “But refrigerating fully ripe avocados can extend their freshness for up to 14 days, reducing the chances of them going to waste.”
How to make avocados last longer and stop them from going brown
Once cut, avocados tend to brown because of a natural enzyme called polyphenol oxidase, which reacts with oxygen. Fortunately, there’s a simple way to slow this down. “Coating the flesh with lemon or lime juice helps keep it green and fresh,” the expert advises. “The acidity slows oxidation, preserving both the colour and texture. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference.”
Can you freeze avocados?
Freezing is an option for extending the life of ripe avocados, but it’s not ideal for every use. “Freezing avocados can keep them fresh for up to four months. However, the texture can change after thawing, so frozen avocados work best for recipes where they’ll be mashed or blended. If freezing, cut them into chunks or slices and store them in an airtight bag.”
Never do this
One popular social media hack suggests storing avocados in water, but the experts strongly warn against it. They explain: “Submerging avocados in water may seem like a good idea, but it creates the perfect conditions for bacteria like listeria and salmonella to grow. Instead, stick to safer, proven methods like refrigeration or using citrus juice.”
How to choose the right avocados
Buying avocados based on when you plan to use them can also help reduce waste. “If you’re not planning to eat them right away, buy unripe avocados and let them ripen naturally at room temperature. Once they’re ripe, refrigerate them to extend their freshness. This way, you can better control their ripening and avoid throwing them out too soon.”
