Avocados are one of those foods that can instantly make your meals taste so much better. From smashing it up and putting on toast to adding it to a poke bowl, its creamy texture and mild flavour pairs well with so many different cuisines.
However, one downside of the avocado is how difficult it is to know when to eat them. More often than not, you’ll cut into it only to find it’s brown and rotting, which is never appealing. However, experts say there’s a very easy way to keep your fruit fresh for up to two weeks longer.
The experts at Wheeldon Brothers, in a bid to help homeowners cut down on food waste and save money, have recommended an easy way to boost the lifespan of your avocados.
And it’s a lot easier than you might think.
The popular green fruits ripen quickly, and without proper storage, they can turn brown or mushy in just a few days.
“Avocados are one of the most wasted foods because of their speedy ripening process,” a spokesperson from Wheeldon Brothers said.
“But refrigerating fully ripe avocados can extend their freshness for up to 14 days, reducing the chances of them going to waste.”
It’s a little more complicated once you have cut your avocado in half. When you do this, they’re even more prone to browning due to a natural enzyme called polyphenol oxidase, which reacts with oxygen.
However, there’s an easy way to slow this process.
“Coating the flesh with lemon or lime juice helps keep it green and fresh,” the expert said. “The acidity slows oxidation, preserving both the colour and texture. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference.”
And one additional thing that people can do in order to cut down on the food they throw in the bin is shop smarter.
For example, 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,” the expert advised.
“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.”