The humble avocado is one of those rare foods that can be enjoyed in both sweet and savoury dishes, and has become a key ingredient in breakfast, brunch, lunch and dessert dishes.
But while it has many different uses, arguably the most popular way to enjoy the fruit is by slicing it up and layering on top of a piece of toast. It many sound simple but that’s part of the appeal, and it can easily be customised by adding additional toppings according to your taste, like tomatoes, a fried egg or a simple drizzle of olive oil. And while it hits the spot in terms of flavour, the downside to an avocado is it doesn’t stay fresh very long after you’ve cut into it.
So if you find you can’t eat the whole thing in one go and have some slices left over, these will quickly turn brown and mushy so it’s important to store the fruit properly to lock in that lovely green freshness.
To avoid this problem, and to prevent food going to waste, experts recommend wrapping sliced avocado in cling film as this helps to slow down the browning process and keeps the fruit fresher for longer.
Avocados that have been cut are prone to browning due to a natural enzyme called polyphenol oxidase which reacts with oxygen, but this process can be prevented with proper storage.
But cut or mashed avocado will stay green for at least two days when wrapped in cling film as the plastic material limits the fruit’s exposure to air, which is the primary cause of the browning. So by wrapping it tightly, you’re effectively giving it a sealed protective barrier, reducing the amount of oxygen that can reach the flesh.
Food website Food Matters explains: “If we’re trying to prevent the oxidization of the avocado, cling film is a great choice. While it’s not entirely foolproof, and the use of single-use plastic is a growing burden on the environment, it’s a quick and easy option.
“Simply wrap the avo nice and tight (and that part is key) in the cling film of your choice. If you’re looking for a more sustainable option, try a reusable beeswax wrap.
“It is important to mention that this method proves quite successful for keeping guacamole fresh for a longer time. When storing it, gently press the wrap down onto the surface of the mixture in a bowl or container to remove all of the air, and you’ll have fresh guac for days.”
It’s also recommended that the wrapped avocado is placed inside an airtight container and put in the fridge, as the cold temperature helps the fruit stay greener for longer by inhibiting the enzymes that cause oxidation.
To help ensure freshness, you can also add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to your avocado before storing it as these fruits contain citric acid, an antioxidant that inhibits a natural enzyme in avocados called polyphenol oxidase, which is what produces the brown pigment when it reacts with oxygen in the air.
By brushing the avocado flesh with a layer of lemon or lime juice, this creates a barrier that helps to keep the fruit fresh and green, although it can slightly alter the overall flavour.
Experts at Real Simple add: “If the avocado is already sliced, your best course of action is to grab a food storage container. However, instead of using the corresponding top, cover the container with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap comes in direct contact with the avocado and there are no air pockets. This will help prevent oxygen from getting in and turning your bright green avo flesh brown.”
