7 Ways to Store Cut Avocados from 48 Hours to 5 Months

The shelf life of avocados without additional manipulation is 1 week. You can even store cut avocados, but in this case you need to be smart. The fruit is rich in iron and other trace elements, so if its integrity has been compromised, the pulp will oxidize very quickly. If the “alligator pear” (also called avocado fruit) turns black after cutting, it can no longer be used as food.

For all lovers of salads, smoothies and other culinary dishes made from avocados, here is a rating of the most effective life hacks - ways to increase the shelf life of the cut fruit.

Storage nuances

1–2 weeks is the shelf life of an avocado. But here we are talking about a semi-ripe whole fruit.

5 recommendations will help extend the storage period of fruit cut in half:

1. Do not remove the pit. Half of it will last longer. It prevents oxygen from reaching the fibers.
2. Avocados with damaged skin should only be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
3. Contact with air must be limited. To do this, use cling film or a container with a lid.
4. The place at the back wall of the refrigerator is the best place to store the “alligator pear”.
5. The fruit should be stored strictly with the cut side up - in this position it will not wither so quickly.

There are many ways to preserve the appearance of a cut avocado. Below is a rating of life hacks for increasing shelf life.

Top 7 ways to store avocados

Once cut, the avocado can no longer be kept at room temperature. This is where a refrigerator and freezer come to the rescue.

• When frozen, the fruit can be stored for up to 5 months.
• The refrigerator will only be in good condition for a week.

In both cases, it is necessary to carry out preparatory measures.

Rating of life hacks for storing half an avocado at home (the amount you can store is indicated in parentheses):

1. Freeze as puree (up to 5 months);
2. Store in the freezer, cut into pieces (maximum 3 months);
3. On a bed of chopped onions (6 days);
4. Sprinkle with lemon or lime juice (6 days);
5. Lubricate the cut with olive oil (5 days);
6. In a vacuum bag (maximum 4 days);
7. In cold water (up to 48 hours).

Now – more details about each.

Freezing

This method maximizes the shelf life of products. The avocado should be soft and ripe.

For preparation in the form of puree, the algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. Peel and pit the fruit.
2. Using a fork or blender, puree the pulp until smooth.
3. Divide the mixture into containers.
4. Sprinkle with lemon juice and close with a lid.
5. Place in the freezer.

This preparation is useful for smoothies, sauces, soups and dressings.

Avocado pulp can be cut into cubes and frozen. This semi-finished product is prepared as follows:

1. Peeled avocado should be cut into cubes.
2. Place on boards or other flat dishes.
3. Sprinkle with lemon juice and place in the freezer.
4. Once the cubes are firm, they can be sorted into bags and finally frozen.

When forming portions, you should take into account that you cannot re-send purees or semi-finished products into the freezer.

5 options for storing wedges in the refrigerator

Only ripe fruit can be placed in the refrigerator. Once cut, it can be sent to a cool environment only after appropriate processing.

Here are 5 options:

1. Onion base. Onions cut into rings are placed at the bottom of the container, and avocado slices, flesh side up, are placed on it. Close the container.
2. Sprinkle the pulp with lemon juice. After this, close the slices in a container.
3. Brush the cut of the fruit with olive oil and place in a container that closes tightly.
4. Use vacuum bags for storage;
5. Place half an avocado in cold water. Keep in mind that already on the second day the pulp will begin to darken.

The most effective way is considered to be the first one - with chopped onions. The fruit retains its color and taste for almost a week. Avocado does not absorb the smell of onions, so it remains suitable for desserts.

Signs that the fruit has gone bad

Improper storage conditions lead to premature spoilage of avocados.

Here is a list of signs of low-quality fruit that should be thrown away immediately:

• too soft;
• there are brown spots on the peel;
• unpleasant odor;
• slippery to the touch.

Avocado is a universal fruit that harmonizes in taste with fish and is actively used to create sauces and desserts. Therefore, situations often arise when half is left or an extra fruit is cut. Opened, it will quickly darken and deteriorate. Therefore, choose the most suitable method for storing cut avocados and never try to “reanimate” spoiled fruit.