- Avocados are available year-round and are perfect for salads, guacamole, and, of course, avocado toast. But timing is everything when it comes to enjoying them at their peak. Follow these simple steps to ripen, store, and keep your avocados fresh for longer.
How to Ripen Avocados
Unlike many fruits, avocados don’t start ripening until they’re picked. That’s why most avocados at the store aren’t quite ready to eat yet. If you need to speed up the ripening process, try this:
- Paper Bag Method: Place your avocado in a brown paper bag. Avocados naturally produce ethylene gas, which triggers ripening. The bag traps the gas and speeds things along.
- Power Boost: Add an apple or banana to the bag—these fruits release extra ethylene, helping your avocado ripen even faster.
- Skip Plastic: Avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture and can lead to mold.
At room temperature, your avocado should ripen in about 3–5 days, but with these tricks, it could be ready even sooner!
"Once you slice into an avocado, oxidation kicks in, turning that gorgeous green flesh an unappetizing brown."
How Do I Make Avocados Last Longer?
Once you slice into an avocado, oxidation kicks in, turning that gorgeous green flesh an unappetizing brown. While brown avocados are still safe to eat, here’s how to keep them looking fresh and vibrant:
- Add Lemon or Lime Juice: The acidity slows the oxidation process. Rub a little citrus juice on the cut surface to keep it green longer.
- Cover with Glad Press’N Seal® wrap : A tight seal keeps oxygen out, preventing browning.
- Leave the Pit In: While this won’t protect the entire avocado, it helps shield the area under the pit from exposure.
- Refrigerate: Cold temperatures slow down the enzymes that cause browning. This should be done in addition to wrapping the avocado with Glad Press’N Seal®.
Countertop, Fridge or Freezer?
- Countertop: Keep unripe avocados at room temperature until they’re ready to eat.
- Fridge: Once ripe, store avocados in the fridge to extend their freshness for several extra days.
- Freezer: Want to save your avocados for months? Peel, puree, and mix in a bit of lemon juice before freezing in an airtight container.
How to Store Avocados
Avocados can be kept at room temperature until ripe, refrigerated to extend freshness, or peeled, pureed and mixed with lemon juice for extended storage.
- Whole Avocado Typically, whole unripe avocados can be kept at room temperature for 3-5 days. Ripe avocados can be refrigerated to extend freshness for several additional days.
- Cut Avocado
Rubbing the exposed flesh with lemon or lime juice, then sealing and refrigerating can help to keep cut avocado looking and tasting good for days.
Can You Eat Brown Avocados?
While brown avocados can be safe to eat, it’s best to discard them if they have an off odor or taste.
Can you freeze avocados?
Yes. For best results, peel, puree, and mix in a bit of lemon juice before freezing in an airtight container.
How to Thaw a Frozen Avocado
To thaw frozen avocado or avocado puree, place it in the refrigerator overnight.
How to Tell if Avocados Are Spoiled & How to Dispose
An avocado has gone bad if it has an off-putting odor, or if it’s badly discolored and mushy. Mold around the stem can also indicate spoilage.
To avoid unpleasant odors, consider composting spoiled avocados in Glad™ Compostable Bags, or using Glad™ Trash Bags to dispose of them in an outdoor trash bin. If you choose to compost, be sure to follow local guidelines.
With these tips, you’ll always have a perfectly ripe, fresh avocado when you need it. Happy avocado-ing!
