We have to admit we love the buttery, delicious, and oh-so-versatile avocados. But keeping them perfectly ripe can sometimes feel like a culinary challenge. One day they are perfect for guac and the next, they’ve gone mushy. We get it, the struggle is real. So, we gathered some savvy avocado tips and tricks to help you make the most of your avocados. These tricks will ensure your avos are in top notch condition for you to enjoy whenever the craving hits.
1. Refrigerate Your Avocados
Usually you should not refrigerate avocados because the cold temperature speeds up the ripening process. But if you have ripened avocados, the refrigerator will actually slow down the ripening process. Refrigeration in this case can buy you a few more days before they become overripe.
2. Add Lemon or Lime Juice to Prevent Browning
Coat the flesh of the avocado with lemon or lime juice. The citric acid is a natural preservative that helps to slow down oxidation, which is what causes avocados to turn brown.
3. Ripen Avocados in a Brown Paper Bag
Not everyone is shopping for their own food nowadays, which means you don’t control what type of avocados you receive from Whole Foods. If you receive avocados that are hard as rocks, one of the most common avocado tips is to break out the brown bag. As fruits ripen, they emit ethylene gas, which the paper bag will trap. Throw in a ripe banana and the process will speed up even more. You’ll have your guacamole in no time, or in this case 24-72 hours.
4. Ripen Your Avocados in the Oven
This is one of those avocado tips that we’re a bit skeptical about, as the flavor of your avocado will change. However if you’re in a pinch and need avocados pronto, you can bake them in the oven. Wrap each of your avocados in individual foil, and bake at 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the avocados every 10 minutes until you achieve the softness you need for your recipe. Pull the avocados from the oven and let them cool for at least an hour.
5. Wrap Your Avocados in Plastic Wrap
Air is an arch nemesis when it comes to keeping things fresh. For a longer life of the avocado, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring there’s minimal air exposure to the flesh. This can help delay the browning process.
6. Leave the Pit in Guacamole
If you’ve made guacamole, leave the avocado pit in the bowl with the guacamole. This can help prevent browning in the same way it does with a halved avocado.
7. Freeze your Avocados
If you can’t consume all your ripe avocados in time, consider freezing them. Mash the flesh with a bit of lemon or lime juice, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen avocado can be used for smoothies or dips. You can also make guacamole and freeze it for using it later.
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