Avocados are amazing—whether you’re spreading them on toast, mashing them into guacamole, or slicing them for salads. But they’re also notorious for going bad quickly. We've all been frustrated by an avocado turning brown or mushy too soon-- so this guide's for you.
Let's make those avocados last a little longer to keep them fresh and ready to eat!
🏆Top Tips for Storing Avocados🥑
- Whole Avocados:
- On the Counter: Keep unripe avocados at room temperature to ripen. Once ripe, they’ll last 2-3 days on the counter-- but they last longer if you put them in the fridge.
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In the Fridge: Once ripe store avocados in the fridge to slow down ripening. This can keep them fresh for an extra 3-5 days.
- Cut Avocados: 🥑
- With the Pit: Leave the pit in the unused half to help reduce browning. Store in an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap, keeping the plastic wrap touching the surface of the cut avocado as much as possible to prevent browning.
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Without the Pit: Brush the cut surface with lemon or lime juice, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
- Mashed Avocados/ Guacamole: 🍋
- Lemon/Lime Juice: Add a splash of lemon or lime juice before storing in an airtight container to prevent browning.
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Press and Seal: Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the avocado mash to minimize air exposure. Again, it’s a great idea to spread lemon or lime juice over the mash before wrapping it.
- Freezing Avocados: ❄️
- Whole Avocados: Place whole, ripe avocados in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can be frozen for up to 4-6 months.
- Defrosting Whole Avocados: To defrost, place the avocado in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, the texture may be slightly different, so they’re best used in smoothies or mashed into guacamole.
- Puree It: Blend avocados with a little lemon or lime juice and freeze in an airtight container. Perfect for smoothies or guacamole later!
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Sliced or Halved: Flash freeze avocado slices or halves on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Use within 4-6 months.
- Avocado Food Savers đź«™
- For avid eaters of avocados (or haters of brown avocados, check out these cool avocado savers that are designed reduces air exposure and keep your avocados fresher for longer.
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How long will avocados typically last?
- Whole (Unripe):
- On the Counter: 3-7 days (depending on ripeness)
- In the Fridge: Not recommended (slows ripening but may cause uneven texture)
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In the Freezer: Up to 4-6 months
- Whole (Ripe):
- On the Counter: 2-3 days
- In the Fridge: 3-5 days
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In the Freezer: Up to 4-6 months
- Cut Avocado:
- On the Counter: Not recommended (browns quickly)
- In the Fridge: 1-2 days
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In the Freezer: 4-6 months (best used for mashed or pureed avocado)
- Mashed Avocado:
- On the Counter: Not recommended (browns quickly)
- In the Fridge: 1-2 days
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In the Freezer: 4-6 months
Have you had success with avocado storage that we haven't shared? We'd love to hear from you! Send us a note at hello@ovie.life and let us know.