When you really want to elevate your breakfast, adding an avocado is a good way to go. They’re tasty and packed with healthy fats, and there’s so many things you can do with them.
But one downside is how quickly they can go bad. It’s often hard to tell when they’re ripe enough to eat, and when they are, you’ve only got a short window before they start rotting.
But experts now say there’s a way to ‘double’ the lifespan of your avocados and keep them fresh for much longer, so you don’t need to throw them out.
Karl Graham, a food storage expert at Click Storage, says this simple process uses scientific reactions to preserve the inside of the avocado.
He commented: “Only a few materials are needed to extend its life and continue enjoying this delicious fruit, all while absorbing its healthy benefits.”
How to keep avocados fresh
Wait until they’re ripe
Allow your avocados to ripen on the counter at room temperature. You can tell an avocado is ripe when it yields slightly to gentle pressure. Karl added: “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.”
Apply citrus juice
Once ripe, cut the avocados in half and lightly brush the flesh of the avocado with lime or lemon juice. Citrus juice contains citric acid, which helps to slow down the oxidation process that causes avocados to turn brown.
“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,” Karl states.
Keep in airtight container
Place the lime or lemon juice-coated avocado halves in an airtight container. If only using half of an avocado, store the half that still has the seed in it; this will help preserve the avocado further.
“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,” Karl suggests.
Refrigerate
Put the container in the refrigerator. Cold temperatures slow down avocado ripening. Karl advises: “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 are already at their peak ripeness and can quickly become overripe if left at room temperature.
Karl added: “Storing avocados with lime juice has become popular despite their rising costs and temperamental ripening process. The acidity in lime juice helps to slow down this enzyme, keeping the avocados vibrant, green, and fresh for longer. This is particularly beneficial for those who like to meal prep or stock up on avocados for the week.
“Storing avocados with lime juice can also enhance their flavour. The lime juice’s tartness cuts through the avocado’s creamy richness, creating a delicious balance of flavours. Lastly, lime juice helps retain nutritional value, such as potassium, folate, and vitamin C, while extending shelf life and saving money.”