Avocados are a delicious and versatile addition to any kitchen. Whether enjoyed as a trendy breakfast, blended into a smoothie, or transformed into a creamy guacamole dip, their popularity is undeniable. However, many find themselves discouraged by the seemingly short lifespan of this creamy green fruit. The frustrating reality is that a perfectly ripe avocado can quickly turn brown, leaving us with a disappointing and unusable ingredient.
The culprit behind this rapid browning is often our storage habits. Placing avocados in a fruit bowl, a common practice, is actually the worst place for them. This is because most fruits produce ethylene gas, a natural growth hormone, and when piled together in a bowl, the gas concentration increases, accelerating the spoiling process.
For whole, unripe avocados, the best storage solution is at room temperature on the kitchen counter, away from the fruit bowl. However, once cut, the refrigerator becomes their new home. The cold temperature slows down the production of ethylene gas, helping the avocado maintain its peak ripeness without becoming mushy.
But here’s where a simple trick can work wonders: Jessica Burgess, a chef and founder of Fantabulosity, reveals two secret ingredients that can significantly extend the life of your cut avocados.
Firstly, brushing the cut surface with olive oil and storing it in an airtight container is a game-changer. This creates a barrier, preventing air and bacteria from causing browning, while also sealing in moisture to prevent drying. Simply apply a thin layer of olive oil to the exposed avocado, place it in a container with a lid, and refrigerate.
If olive oil isn’t readily available, lemon juice provides a fantastic alternative. The citric acid in lemon juice lowers the pH level on the avocado’s surface, slowing down the browning enzymes. Furthermore, lemon juice’s high vitamin C content, a potent antioxidant, further delays browning.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy the deliciousness of avocados for up to seven days longer than usual. So, next time you cut an avocado, reach for your olive oil or lemon juice – it’s the key to unlocking the secret to long-lasting freshness!
