Avocados are a delicious fruit that can be eaten at any stage of ripeness. But many people are unsure whether or not they should refrigerate an avocado before it is ripe.
Some believe that refrigerating the avocado will prolong its life and allow you to keep it on hand for later use, while others say this could result in bacteria growth which damages the fruit.
In this article, I will share with you some important facts you might want to know about storing unripe avocadoes.
So, can you refrigerate unripe avocados?
The answer is yes; you can refrigerate unripe avocados. But I recommend that you let the avocados ripe first before refrigerating them. Also, if you plan on eating the avocado within two days of purchase, there’s no need to refrigerate it until after peeling and slicing it. Just store it in a dry place out of sunlight until ready to eat!
However, if you plan on storing your avocados for longer than two days, then I would recommend refrigeration.
Just keep in mind that if you plan on storing your avocado for more than 24 hours, the skin should be dark green before putting them in the fridge.
If they are overripe or bruised, it’s best to use them within two days of purchase since there is a possibility that they can develop bacteria that damages the fruit once refrigerated.
How do you store an unripe avocado in the fridge?
To store an unripe avocado, place the fruit in a brown paper bag and put it in the fridge.
The paper bag will allow air circulation, which is important to prevent mold growth while trapping ethylene gas produced by the fruit that helps it ripen.
Once ripe, you can keep your avocadoes in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
If you want, you can simply wrap the fruit in plastic, though this could result in its skin getting dark because of oxidation.
Can you freeze unripe avocados?
Yes, you can freeze unripe avocados. Just slice the avocado into one-inch cubes and place it on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper.
Once all the cubes are ready, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and keep them in the freezer until ready to eat.
When you’re ready to use, thaw them overnight in a refrigerator or under running cool water.
You can use the defrosted avocados for cooking or eating as they are, without refreezing if that’s what you wish.
It’s best to use the defrosted avocados immediately after thawing them, as they can develop bacteria easily.
How do you know when an avocado is ripe?
The best way to determine if an avocado is ripe is by gently pressing the outside of it with your thumb. When you press it and it gives a little, then it’s ripe and ready for eating or storing in the fridge.
If you’ve purchased green avocados and they’re already ripe, then chances are they were picked too early and won’t be good to eat.
How long does avocado last once cut?
Once the avocado has been cut open from its skin, it will only last about 2-3 days in a fridge. You can store them in an airtight container or place the avocado seed over a bowl to prevent browning.
To keep fresh for longer, add some lemon juice on top of your cut avocado and cover with plastic wrap. This should keep it fresh for a few extra days.
How to keep avocados from browning?
You can prevent avocados from browning by adding a little lemon juice on top of the avocado flesh. This will also help increase its shelf life so you can eat it later!
Also, if you have some mashed avocado leftover, just save it in an airtight container or use plastic wrap to cover the surface tightly. Place this in the fridge and it should last for 1-2 days.
Just add some extra lemon juice to this to prevent browning and place it in the fridge.
How long does mashed avocado last in the fridge?
Since mashed avocado can easily develop bacteria, it’s best to eat or use within the same day unless you’ve added lemon juice on top before storing.
When stored in an airtight container, leftover mashed avocado should last about 2-3 days in a fridge. Just keep it in a sealed container and try to use it before the expiration date.
Mashed avocados can be frozen for later use too. Just place the avocado in an airtight container or freezer bag and place it inside the freezer.
This should last up to 3 months without any changes in texture or taste!
How do you freeze mashed avocado?
Freezing mashed avocado is simple, just follow these steps:
- Place the avocado in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing your container or bag.
- Label it with the date and store it in the freezer until ready to use.
Mashed avocados will last for 3 months inside a freezer, but can last up to 6 months if you’ve added lemon juice.
How long does avocado last in the pantry?
Since avocados will ripen fairly quickly at room temperature, it’s best to store them inside a fridge.
If your avocados are already ripe, you can place it in a brown paper bag and store them in a cool dark place outside the fridge.
If they’re still unripe and you need it to ripen more quickly, store some in a brown paper bag and keep them on your kitchen counter. They should be ripe within a week!
Once ripe, avocados can last for 2-3 days if not opened. If opened, place the avocado seed over a container and cover with plastic wrap. Place this in a fridge and they should last for 2-3 days.
As mentioned before, you can save open avocados by covering the surface area tightly with lemon juice or cling film.
This will prevent them from browning and should last for 1-2 days if kept properly sealed.
What if you don’t plan on using the avocado after it is ripe?
You should place the avocado in an airtight container or plastic bag and put it in your fridge for up to two days.
If you won’t use the avocado before it’s overripe, don’t worry. You can still store these in your fridge to prevent them from becoming overripe.
Unlike with other fruits, it is recommended that you don’t freeze avocados once they are ripe since doing so can result in a mushy texture and change the flavor.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, it’s perfectly safe and healthy to store unripe avocados in the fridge. Just keep in mind that if you plan on storing your avocado for more than 24 hours, the skin should be dark green before putting them in the fridge.
If they are overripe or bruised, it’s best to use them within two days of purchase since there is a possibility that they can develop bacteria that damages the fruit once refrigerated.
Also keep in mind that if you’re planning on freezing your unripe avocados, you should freeze them while they’re green and not once they are ripe.
If you don’t plan on using the avocados once they are ripe, store them in an airtight container or bag and place it in your fridge.
I hope this article has provided you with some basic information about storing unripe avocados! Learn more about refrigerating foods here.
