A ripe avocado is a yummy addition to many dishes, or is even delectable eaten alone. The downside to avocados is that when they start to ripen, they ripen fast. Luckily, there are many different ways you can store your avocados that can help prevent them from going bad.
Uncut Avocados
Storing an uncut avocado on the counter is fine if you are planning to eat it in the near. It will remain good for a day or two.
However, if you don’t have immediate plans for the fruit, store it in the refrigerator instead. Refrigeration won’t completely stop the ripening process, but it can halt it a little. If the fruit is ripe when you put in the refrigerator, it should stay good for up to 3 days.
Cut Avocados-Unripe Fruit
If you happen to cut open an avocado and find that it’s not fully ripened, don’t worry. Simple sprinkle the exposed fruit with some lemon juice, then match the two halves up. Cover the entire avocado with clear plastic wrap and then place it in the refrigerator. Check the fruit every now and then to see if it has softened up. The amount of time it will take to ripen will vary depending on how firm the fruit is and the temperature of your refrigerator.
Cut Avocado-Ripe Fruit
Once an avocado is cut, if it is not used right away, the flesh will start to turn brown. Storing it properly can delay this process. There are numerous ways to store a ripened avocado once it’s cut.
Covering the fruit delays it from turning brown because it keeps the fruit from being exposed to oxygen. Cover any unused fruit with plastic wrap to keep it fresher, longer.
Citrus juice, like lemon or lime juice, can also help slow down the browning process. Rub the uneaten fruit halves with a little citrus juice, cover it and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for a couple of days, though there may be a little discoloration on the top. Scrape it off and enjoy. If your uneaten fruit is cut up, toss it with about ½ teaspoon of juice for each avocado. Again, keep it covered and store in the refrigerator.
Lastly, you can freeze avocado. If you have plans to turn it into guacamole, a dressing or a sandwich spread, puree it and freeze it. This should only be used as last resort, as frozen avocado puree does not have the same effect as fresh avocado.
Avocado is a delicious fruit that pairs well with many dishes, but also tastes great on its own. It does, however, tend to ripen fast. Use these tips to help store your fresh avocados so they can last as long as possible.