Can you freeze avocados? We thought you’d never ask. Ripe avocados spoil quickly, but they will keep for much longer in the freezer. We’ll show you the best ways to freeze avocados halved or as purée.
It happens more often than you like to admit: you could swear your avocado is in the perfect state of ripeness, but the next time you turn around, it’s covered in brown spots. But luckily, avocados can be frozen.
By freezing avocados, you can easily avoid throwing overripe food (and your money) in the trash, reduce food waste, and gain all the benefits of eating avocados more often.
Plus, by having a reserve supply of frozen avocados, you can rest assured that you will never have to endure an avocado craving that goes unsatisfied. What is more tragic than needing some guac to go with your tacos, but all the avocados in the supermarket are unripe?
But even though we love them, it’s important to remember to consume avocados only in moderation. The high water consumption involved in growing them, as well as the long and energy-guzzling transport in air-conditioned ships that are required to bring them to your local supermarket, hurts our environment. Therefore, we have a responsibility to treat avocados as precious and make sure the ones that we buy don’t go to waste.
When Can Avocados Be Frozen?
Before you freeze an avocado, make sure that it is ripe. To test that, press gently with the pad of your finger on the outside of the fruit. If it yields, you’ll know that it is ready to eat. But the fruit should still feel firm and offer some resistance. Avocados that feel very soft are overripe.
If the avocado is still rock solid, it isn’t ready yet. In this case, wrap it in newspaper and store it at room temperature. To help your avocado ripen more quickly, place it in a paper bag with an apple. Apples contain the ripening gas ethylene, which helps other fruits ripen faster. After two or three days, the avocados can be frozen.
How To Freeze Avocados: Halved
- Halve the avocado with a sharp knife.
- Use a tablespoon to remove the pit carefully, but don’t throw it away. Try planting it instead to grow your very own avocado tree.
- Sprinkle the halves with lemon juice to prevent them from developing brown spots. Now the avocados can be frozen.
- Wrap the two halves in wax paper and lay them in the freezer.
- Use a water-soluble marker to write the date on the wax paper to remember how old the avocados are.
- To thaw the avocados, leave them out at room temperature for about an hour, and they’re ready to eat.
Good to Know: In the freezer, avocados will keep for up to eight months. Don’t worry if the consistency of the thawed avocado is a bit different from what you’re used to; this is perfectly normal and won’t affect the taste.
Can Avocados Be Frozen Puréed?
Freezing avocados puréed will save you time and effort the next time you want to make guacamole or a green smoothie. Here’s how to freeze avocados as purée:
- Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit.
- Remove the fruit with a spoon and place in a food processor. Sprinkle with lemon juice to help the avocado keep its green color. If you don’t have a food processor, you can also easily do this with a fork.
- Purée the avocado until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Transfer the avocado purée into a freezer-safe container, and label it with the date.
- Place in the freezer.
- To thaw, place the frozen puree in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours before you want to use it. This way, the avocado can fully defrost.
Tip: For small, ready-to-hand portions, avocados can be frozen as purée in an ice cube tray. Add frozen avocado puree to smoothies, or add it to your favorite Banana Nice Cream Recipe to make it extra creamy and delicious.
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