If you’re a fan of adding avocados to your breakfast for that nutritious, creamy twist, you might be storing them all wrong. Storing avocados incorrectly can decrease their quality rapidly.
Expert advice suggests a proper storage method could see the shelf life of your avocado double. The easy technique uses a well-known scientific approach and an additional common household item to keep the avocado’s interior fresher for longer, reports the Express.
Karl Graham from Click Storage has indicated a simple way to enjoy the fruit’s wholesome benefits for an extended period. He said: “Only a few materials are needed to extend its life and continue enjoying this delicious fruit, all while absorbing its healthy benefits.”
Step 1: Allow your avocados to ripen
Firstly, let your avocados ripen at room temperature on your kitchen counter. Check if they’re ready by applying gentle pressure; when ripe, the skin should give just a little.
Karl said: “If the stem of the avocado can be easily removed from the top of the avocado and the flesh underneath is green, it’s ripe.”
Step 2: Apply citrus juice
Following ripeness, halve the avocados and spray the flesh with lime or lemon juice lightly. Citrus juice contains citric acid which combats oxidation, the process that turns avocados brown.
Karl said: “When avocados are exposed to air, enzymes in the fruit react with oxygen, turning the flesh brown. The citric acid in citrus juice helps to inhibit these enzymes, preserving the green colour of the avocado.”
Step 3: Use an airtight container
Next up, pop the avocado halves, which have been doused in citrus juice, into an airtight container. If you’re only using one half, keep the one with the seed; this aids in its preservation.
Karl said: “If the avocado’s not cut, brush some lime or lemon juice on the exterior to help keep it ripe for even longer while in the airtight container.”
Step 4: Refrigerate
Lastly, stash the container in the fridge. The chilly environment slows down the ripening process.
Karl said: “When exposed to cold temperatures, the enzymes responsible for ripening slow down, thus prolonging the shelf life of the avocado.” This is particularly important for ripe avocados, as they can rapidly become overripe if left out at room temperature.