Popular on Food52
78 Comments
Monica B.
July 5, 2023
My lazy way works better than plastic wrap or lemon juice. I almost always have half an onion or a bunch of scallions in a bag in the fridge. I just throw the avocado half with a pit in the same bag. Recently I forgot about one in the fridge while I was away for a week. Found it and it was delicious. The top doesn't stay completely green but darkens a little bit after more than 3 days but still completely edible.
CaptJohn
October 23, 2021
Well I can verify that everything said here is quite true, there is a very real danger in overeating avocados! My uncle was an avocado farmer we all love the fruit but because he was on the go so much while he was at the ranch tending his crops he would eat half a dozen or so because he really didn't have time for a full meal when he wasn't at the ranch he would still consume two or three a day after about 10 years of this he developed arterial sclerosis although the fat in avocados is great for you and overabundance is bad for your arteries. So don't get carried away!
Well then after he cut avocados out of his diet entirely following his massive surgeries to repair his arteries within about 4 years he developed cancer and soon died! Your friend in food, Captain John
Well then after he cut avocados out of his diet entirely following his massive surgeries to repair his arteries within about 4 years he developed cancer and soon died! Your friend in food, Captain John
JGSD
July 3, 2021
The BEST BY FAR WAY TO KEEP AVOCADOs GREEN (not brown) is to Vacuum Pack them. I vacuum packed a sliced avocado a week ago and it still looks green as the day it was cut open!! You should update your article and add this solution!
onedrb
February 26, 2021
Never do I worry about left over avocados. I always buy 2 for salads. When I peel and slice one putting it in a dish with lemon juice and course fresh ground pepper while I fix a salad I start by taking a nibble of a slice, then 2 slices, then I eat all the slices and have to peel the 2nd avocado for the salad. With just 2 of us one avocado is barely enough and never do we have any left over. Can anybody tell me how to grow the pit for a house plant??
[email protected]
February 14, 2021
Please can you tell me how I can buy one of the products listed in Food52.
The product I am interested in is a set of silicone lids (I think there were four or five in the set). I live in Australia, but I could not get my country to come up in the list for mailing.
The product I am interested in is a set of silicone lids (I think there were four or five in the set). I live in Australia, but I could not get my country to come up in the list for mailing.
Kalindi7
February 13, 2021
Put a half of an avocado in a baggie and fill it with water put in the fridge. It last beautifully. Quick & simple.
Karen
Karen
Jim B.
July 31, 2020
I have found that Saran Wrap pressed firmly onto the surface of a cut avocado does great in letting it last longer in the refrigerator. I also do this when I make guacamole. When doing that, don't just cover the bowl the guacamole is in, you have to press the wrap right down on the guac.
Rickford
June 2, 2020
I store my avocados in a paper bag and place the bag in the fridge. Avocados will still be good over a week later.
Jane
January 31, 2020
I cringed when I read to gently squeeze the avocado. (I know, you said "gently," but still...) My pet peeve is finding brown finger print spots inside beautiful avocados that I have just purchased. For this reason I always buy hard, unripe avocados and let them ripen at home because they are the least likely ones to have been damaged by overzealous shoppers. So if you want to squeeze avocados, please do so AFTER you've purchased them.
Stan-Lease L.
January 30, 2020
I don’t buy the whole fruit. I do buy the small snack sized trays and packets of guac. I freeze them thaw them out as needed . I didn’t detect any decline of quality in the thawed out product. The processed fruit is freezable . Just my two cents.
Linda B.
January 30, 2020
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the advice on where to feel the avocado to tell if it is ripe! I've been passing this tip along forever often to much skepticism. I grew up eating avocados from my grandfather's trees and was taught at an early age when to pick them how to store them and how to tell when they are ripe.
I always buy them rock hard. My counter is never without at least 2 avocados and my fridge likewise. Did I mention we eat a lot of avocados?
Our favorite salad is sliced avocados, white grapefruit segments on a bed of butter lettuce or other soft lettuce, drizzled with Dijon mustard tarragon vinaigrette and sprinkled with chopped green onions. Yum!
I always buy them rock hard. My counter is never without at least 2 avocados and my fridge likewise. Did I mention we eat a lot of avocados?
Our favorite salad is sliced avocados, white grapefruit segments on a bed of butter lettuce or other soft lettuce, drizzled with Dijon mustard tarragon vinaigrette and sprinkled with chopped green onions. Yum!
Risottogirl
March 6, 2018
Don't cover it. Just put it in the fridge, it will form it's own protective skin. Also cut it around the middle holding it up.
mdelgatty
February 14, 2021
Maybe cut it around the middle when it's standing on end, rather that lying flat? The would at least decrease the area exposed to air...
Lynda W.
September 8, 2015
I'm glad to have come across this tip! Was just talking to friends on how to keep them green longer. I will try some of these out to find out which one will work the best for me and maybe you too!
Tedman
September 3, 2015
The working assumption of this piece is wrong: not only do I consume the entire avocado in one meal, it *IS* the meal. Along with a sliced plum tomato, on occasion, just for variety.
Brenda
August 1, 2015
Usually I eat the half of the avocado and keep the skin of the other half. Covered it back and put it into the fridge, you can also use the cling wrap to wrap it up.
Natalie S.
July 6, 2015
i just use plastic wrap, but have it loose enough to make sure the wrap is touching the exposed skin. keeps for days.
Pam C.
July 6, 2015
If you don't have a vacuum sealer just put the avocado half in a zip lock bag and seal the bag with a straw end inside and suck the excess air out then seal the bag. It will keep it from browning for at least a few days.
Julie W.
July 6, 2015
Instead of lengthwise cut it in half crosswise - there is way less average Avocado exposed . I also put the leftover avocado in a container with half an onion , no need to cut it up - this keeps for a really long time
FoodieDawn
July 6, 2015
I squeeze lemon or lime juice over the leftover avocado half and press plastic wrap right up against the flesh. Put it in an airtight container and it's good to go for another round.
Ol'ga K.
July 6, 2015
In Cyprus we simply cover cut avocado with fresh lemon juice. Its enough for centuries now :)
Jerry C.
June 26, 2015
I bought a kitchen aid called "Blue Apple" from The Grommet. It's made of blue plastic and comes with little packets (there are enough for a year) that you put in inside. Close the "Blue Apple" and put in your produce draw. I don't eat any brown on an avocado. I put the avocado in a zip lock bag, it may have a tad of brown which I cut off. Also, the uncut avocados don't get soft as quickly. They will last for several day. Oh, I paid $18 for it...well worth every penny.
Teresa M.
April 28, 2015
I make guacamole and if you push it into a pile in the middle of the dish then put plastic wrap directly on the guacamole. Touching it and push out air bubbles. This will keep it fresh for a couple days!! I find if I put oil or tomato into it, it browns fast. I add garlic, salt & lime juice
mbaird
April 13, 2015
I cut them in half the short way, remove the pit (I know!), and stand them on a small plate with the cut side down. This cuts off the oxygen and prevents browning. But the freezer trick for bulk storage is going to change my life!
Dianne E.
April 7, 2015
If only half the avocado is used, leave the stone in the other half and fold an already dampened paper towel over the raw side and place in the refrigerator. It will probably be eaten the next day and will last well for that. Quick, simple and easy to do. From New Zealand where the best Avocado grow!
Patt D.
April 6, 2015
Yogurt avocado dip mash 1 avocado with 1 tsp lime juice 1/2 tsp garlic powder and 1/2 tsp onion powder and 2 tbs plain yogurt. Great on chips. Can use fresh onion and garlic.
Carrie
April 2, 2015
In a small bowl, put 1/2 C to 1 C cold water and put avocado in it cut side down. Cover bowl with wrap and put in refrigerator .
If you have leftover guacamole, cover the leftover dip with cold water and cover.
If you have leftover guacamole, cover the leftover dip with cold water and cover.
Christi
April 2, 2015
I've always had luck 'not removing the pit' if possible. this has kept the avocado from browning. However, if I know of a half in my fridge? I'm there with a little Himalayan Sea salt sprinkle and spoon! :)
linda
March 29, 2015
the only thing that really works is the juice from a pickle or jalepeno pepper jar.
Cheryl P.
March 26, 2015
I make a Greek Avocado salad and use all 3 of your suggestions. I use lemon juice, finely diced red onion, diced tomatoes and light olive oil and of course large diced avocado and stir it up and wow. Usually there is never left overs unless I'm just making it for myself. When I have left over I just stir it up before sealing it and put it in the fridge for lunch the next day. It never turns brown unless it has been in the fridge for over 2 days.
Catherine G.
March 23, 2015
THAT'S RIGHT, Lolliwink (the best way to keep Avacodes for turning brown, is to EAT THEM!!! :)
Trina E.
April 16, 2015
I like that!!!! I'd rather eat them before they brown. Also.
But the lemon method works the best. For me anyway.
But the lemon method works the best. For me anyway.
Lolliwink
March 14, 2015
The red onion suggestion really works!
But, DO NOT use this method when utilizing the avocado in "sweet" recipes! I suggest using lemon juice or Ball's FRUIT FRESH Produce Protector.
If preparing guacamole or another "savory" recipe it would be okay.
I tend to use the avocado as a FRUIT.
Often, it is lightly sprayed with lime juice & sprinkled with vanilla-sugar. Sometimes, it's drizzled with warm butter, honey & cream. I also like to make rich creamy pudding and ice cream from avocados! Avocados makes the best pound cakes-very moist!
My little grandchild told me that an AVOCADO is really a FRUIT not a VEGETABLE! :-D
*No wonder it makes the best creamy shakes, puddings and cheesecakes, ever!
But, DO NOT use this method when utilizing the avocado in "sweet" recipes! I suggest using lemon juice or Ball's FRUIT FRESH Produce Protector.
If preparing guacamole or another "savory" recipe it would be okay.
I tend to use the avocado as a FRUIT.
Often, it is lightly sprayed with lime juice & sprinkled with vanilla-sugar. Sometimes, it's drizzled with warm butter, honey & cream. I also like to make rich creamy pudding and ice cream from avocados! Avocados makes the best pound cakes-very moist!
My little grandchild told me that an AVOCADO is really a FRUIT not a VEGETABLE! :-D
*No wonder it makes the best creamy shakes, puddings and cheesecakes, ever!
Lolliwink
March 14, 2015
My neighbor just told me that she vacuum-seal her "halved" avocados and places them in the FREEZER (be sure to remove the skin). When she needs a half or two, she removes them from the vacuum pouch, re-seal & return the rest of them back into the FREEZER. She then...let the avocado slices come to room temp. and continues to prepare her favorite recipe(s). HENCE, FRESH AVOCADOS ALL THE TIME!
Recently, I visited a SMART & FINAL grocery store...I actually saw an enormous bag of pre-peeled & pre-sliced avocado halves "vacuum-sealed" in the freezer section of the grocery store. I guess this "method" works well for STORING all the extra "peeled" avocados! :-D YAY! I wonder if they lightly sprayed them with lemon juice before they vacuum-sealed them and "stored" in the FREEZER? Hum...got to give this "method" a try (especially when avocados are on sale)! ;-D
Recently, I visited a SMART & FINAL grocery store...I actually saw an enormous bag of pre-peeled & pre-sliced avocado halves "vacuum-sealed" in the freezer section of the grocery store. I guess this "method" works well for STORING all the extra "peeled" avocados! :-D YAY! I wonder if they lightly sprayed them with lemon juice before they vacuum-sealed them and "stored" in the FREEZER? Hum...got to give this "method" a try (especially when avocados are on sale)! ;-D
The D.
April 25, 2015
I simply vacuum seal them and keep in the fridge. No browning and lasts for several days...plenty of time to find a use for them!
Lolliwink
March 14, 2015
The BEST way to keep the avocado from turning brown...is simple, EAT IT! LOL
Seriously, I use a light sprinkling of Ball's Fruit Fresh Produce Protector. It will prevent browning & protect flavor of the freshly cut produce. Additionally, it doesn't have artificial flavors or colors and is sulfites-free. The product mimics Citric Acid without the heavy "souriness" of lemon juice. It's great in guacamole, fruit salads & pie fillings. Also, works great for dehydrating or freezing produce. Visit: www.FreshPreserving.com
NOTE: When you are out of fresh lemons or crushed vitamin C...this shelf product is a great alternative to keep handy. Simply follow the directions on the bottle for mixing ratio.
Seriously, I use a light sprinkling of Ball's Fruit Fresh Produce Protector. It will prevent browning & protect flavor of the freshly cut produce. Additionally, it doesn't have artificial flavors or colors and is sulfites-free. The product mimics Citric Acid without the heavy "souriness" of lemon juice. It's great in guacamole, fruit salads & pie fillings. Also, works great for dehydrating or freezing produce. Visit: www.FreshPreserving.com
NOTE: When you are out of fresh lemons or crushed vitamin C...this shelf product is a great alternative to keep handy. Simply follow the directions on the bottle for mixing ratio.
jcbookmaster
March 13, 2015
I just did this 2 days ago; I took a paper towel and moistened it with lemon juice. covered the cut surface and put it in a sandwich sized zip lock bag. Worked great!
FoodieDawn
March 13, 2015
I squeeze lemon juice over the cut surface and press plastic wrap directly onto the flesh, then put it in an airtight container (although I've just gone with the wrap in the office fridge in a pinch). Works like a charm.
Nancy
March 11, 2015
Crush a vitamin C tablet and sprinkle it on the avocado. No citrus flavor to over power the taste of the avocado.
Laurie M.
September 18, 2014
I use a soft plastic bag like a Baggie; place the avocado that still has the pit in the bag, suck the air out pf the bag and twist shut. Fruit is good for 2-3 days but U usually use before that.
whelma
September 15, 2014
I use my vacuum sealer. Remove pit and seal. The longest I have kept it with no browning is 5 days, after 3 days it gets a little mushy but no browning.
nansaki
September 15, 2014
I keep the pit in place in the unused half and after consuming the other half I put the skin on top of the uneaten one and put it in a ziplock bag. Keeps for 2 days.
CandiceHope
September 15, 2014
If I have also used a lemon, I try to squish the squeezed lemon against the pit of the unused avocado half and then wrap in plastic.
Emma T.
September 15, 2014
I dampen a paper towel, wrap it around the exposed flesh and then tightly wrap the whole thing in cling film. It keeps it fresh for approx. 2 days
catalinalacruz
September 14, 2014
I use the onion method. I place thinly sliced red onion all over the cut surface of the avocado. It, and the remaining piece of onion, are sealed in a zip-lock sandwich bag and refrigerated. Days later, the avocado has not discolored in the slightest, and I can use the sliced onion in any recipe. I have kept avocado this way for as long as four days. I have better success with this method than with using lemon juice or oil. I have also noticed that other cut vegetables, such as cucumber, bell pepper, whatever, seem to last longer if stored with a piece of cut onion.
Pat M.
September 14, 2014
I use the 'cover with water' method for leftover guacamole, but cover it first with plastic wrap, pushed down on the surface and up the sides of the container....then cover with water. That keeps water out of the guacamole. I have a recipe that adds Tomatillo to the avocado....stays green for days with just ordinary storage! Can't speak to avocado halves.....never have any left over!!
Carol
September 14, 2014
If I leave the pit in and wrap it in plastic wrap, that works ok, but there's a gap of air around the pit. So I take the pit out, then place the plastic wrap over the surface, put the pit back in so the plastic wrap is in full contact over the entire surface, then tighten the wrap around the back. I place another piece of plastic wrap over the whole arrangement to keep the pit in place. Keeps it from browning for several days.
Pam S.
September 11, 2014
I've always used lemon juice, but the onion trick is intriguing. I will try it.
Francine
September 11, 2014
VERY simple solution and it doesn't alter the flavor of the avocado like oil and lemon can --- If I miraculously have half an avocado left, I leave the pit and skin on the half I am not going to be using and simply run the exposed part of the avocado under some cool water for maybe 3-5 seconds and then turn the avocado upside down so that the water is not resting or pooling on the avocado. Put it in either a Ziploc bag (removing the excess air) or in Tupperware or other tightly sealed container then place in the refrigerator. It lasts 3-4 days. If it does turn slightly brown, simply scrape the brown off the exposed part of the avocado. When you go to use the avocado, it's not soggy or mushy because you left it upside down so any water left from the rinsing is in the bottom of the container and the pit elevates the meat of the avocado from the container!
What's happening when you rinse with the water is that the polyphenols (which cause browning to many fruits and veggies) are washed away from that exposed layer, at least for a while. Placing it in the fridge might also help to prevent browning after rinsing with the water, too.
This is one of my favorite tips to tell people in the kitchen because they are always skeptical going in and are then converts when it works!
What's happening when you rinse with the water is that the polyphenols (which cause browning to many fruits and veggies) are washed away from that exposed layer, at least for a while. Placing it in the fridge might also help to prevent browning after rinsing with the water, too.
This is one of my favorite tips to tell people in the kitchen because they are always skeptical going in and are then converts when it works!
Lynnette S.
September 11, 2014
I once had a surplus of ripe avocados that were in desperate need of preservation. I sliced them in half, removed the skin and pit and vacuum sealed them in packages of two. They stayed vibrant green and made amazing guacamole at least a week or 10 days later. Since then I've discovered that I can vacuum seal pouches of leftover guacamole and it stays fresh and green for days as well.
Pat C.
September 10, 2014
Leave pit in, smear with lemon juice, press plastic wrap on the cut surface and wrap in the plastic.
Sage
September 10, 2014
I use a half avocado and leave the pit in the saved half. Put in
Zip-loc bag. Saved half doesn't turn brown.
Zip-loc bag. Saved half doesn't turn brown.
Libia C.
September 10, 2014
Yes, to avoid browning, eat it all up before it does!! Cling wrap will do as well, brushing with lemon juice before wrapping tightly helps but frankly a little browning on part of the exposed surface will do no harm.
Jennifer I.
September 10, 2014
Hmm. I have a friend from Ecuador who makes guacamole and then leaves the pits whole in the mixture to store it. It prevents browning, but I'm damned if I know why.
Pegeen
September 10, 2014
It all seems to be the same idea: prevent air from reaching the surface of the avocado. I use plastic wrap for guacamole, pressed to the surface of the dip. That keeps it fresh enough to use as a sandwich or bagel spread the next day. For half an avocado, they just don't last long enough around here. But if I had one, I'd do the same thing: be sure it is air tight. The chopped onion idea is intriguing!
eat-drink-garden
September 10, 2014
To keep guacamole green, I put a little tepid water over it and seal it in a container. Does the trick every time and it doesn't compromise the flavor of your guacamole.
http://eat-drink-garden.com/2014/08/video-how-to-keep-your-guacamole-fresh/
http://eat-drink-garden.com/2014/08/video-how-to-keep-your-guacamole-fresh/
Kim H.
September 10, 2014
I just leave the pit in and then use that press and seal plastic wrap making sure it is in full contact with all of the avocado flesh.
I've done this with good effect on guac as well, leaving in several pits and making sure the plastic wrap covers the full surface - much like avoiding getting skin on a pudding.
I've done this with good effect on guac as well, leaving in several pits and making sure the plastic wrap covers the full surface - much like avoiding getting skin on a pudding.
Leah K.
September 10, 2014
If you submerge the half in water it won't brown. It might be a little mushy so this is best if you're already going to mush it up instead of slicing it. This also works for guacamole. Just put it in the container, get all the air bubbles out and spread it flat, then put a thin layer of water over the top. Once you're ready to use just pour the water out & stir it up. Keeps it perfectly fresh!
Two T.
September 10, 2014
Fun. I've never tried the onion but use lemon juice a lot. Also I was given an avocado saver, which is a little pod to keep an avocado half. I'm not sure it's completely eliminating browning but it does seem to help a little.
Christopher
September 10, 2014
Who leaves half an avocado uneaten??? The best way to keep it from browning is to eat it. Like a grown-up.
Sonia (.
September 10, 2014
I'm with you...In our household of two, there is no leftover avo to worry about browning...each of us is capable of eating a half.
Jackie D.
September 10, 2014
Hey, thanks a lot for these tips. I'll certainly try them as i simply love avocado.
See what other Food52 readers are saying.