Avocados are a beloved breakfast staple, cherished for their creamy texture and delightful taste. However, the common methods of storing these green gems are often misguided, potentially leading to a less-than-desirable outcome.
One popular hack circulating online involves submerging sliced avocados in water to maintain freshness. While well-intentioned, this practice poses a significant health risk. Avocados naturally harbor bacteria on their skin, which can proliferate in water, leading to contamination. This can introduce harmful bacteria like salmonella and listeria into the fruit, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Beyond the health implications, storing avocados in water can also compromise their texture, causing them to become mushy and less appealing.
Instead of relying on water, cooking expert and co-founder of Inspired Taste, Joanne, advocates for a simple, natural approach to preserving the freshness of sliced avocados. The key, she explains, lies in preventing the flesh from direct contact with air. Oxygen causes oxidation, which turns the avocado flesh brown and dulls its flavor. To combat this, Joanne recommends using a bit of lemon or lime juice.
“The basic idea is to prevent oxygen from getting in, since oxygen will cause any cut flesh to brown,” she explains. “One option is to use a little acid. Just sprinkle a bit of lemon or lime juice over the cut areas of the avocado. You don’t need a lot… a spritz or two will do it.”
The citric acid present in lemon and lime juice acts as a natural antioxidant. It slows down the oxidation process, creating a barrier that prevents oxygen from interacting with the avocado flesh. Simply brush your avocado slices with lemon or lime juice, wrap them tightly in cling film, and store them in the refrigerator. This method can extend the freshness of your avocados by a couple of days.
Storing whole avocados also requires a mindful approach to ensure optimal freshness. When you bring home a whole avocado, place it on your kitchen counter in a bowl, away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can accelerate ripening, leading to spoilage. If your avocado is a bright light green and firm to the touch, it is still unripe and should not be placed in the refrigerator until it has ripened. A ripe avocado will have a darker green color, and its stem should come off easily.
Joanne emphasizes the importance of allowing avocados to ripen at room temperature: “For whole avocados, store them at room temperature (especially if they are unripe). Only use the fridge for avocados that are ripe.”
Avocados cannot ripen properly in cold temperatures, and placing them in the fridge before they are ready can result in a rubbery, tasteless fruit.
By following these simple yet effective storage guidelines, you can ensure your avocados remain fresh and flavorful for longer. Enjoy your perfectly ripened avocados, knowing that they are stored correctly for optimal taste and enjoyment!
