Smart Summer Hacks: How to Keep Avocados Fresh for Longer

Avocados are creamy, nutrient-packed delights that effortlessly elevate your summer meals - from breakfast toasts to refreshing dips. But there's a catch - summer heat can speed up ripening, turning your favourite fruit brown and mushy in no time. Here’s how to store them right and make them last longer.

Pick the Perfect Avocado First
The first step to keeping avocados fresh begins at the store. If you’re planning to use them immediately, go for ripe avocados - dark-skinned and slightly soft to the touch. For future use, opt for firmer, bright green ones that will ripen at home over a few days.

Storing Unripe Avocados the Right Way

• Leave unripe avocados on the kitchen counter at room temperature.
• Keep them out of direct sunlight.
• Check daily by gently pressing the skin - when slightly soft, they’re ready.

How to Store Ripe Avocados

• Once ripened, move avocados to the fridge to pause the ripening process.
• Store them in the crisper drawer or a sealed bag to maintain freshness.
• Refrigeration extends their life by 2-3 days.

The Water Hack - Trendy But Risky
A viral trick suggests submerging whole avocados in cold water inside an airtight container. While this may slow browning, experts caution against this method due to the potential for bacterial growth. If you must try it, use the avocados quickly.

What to Do With Cut Avocados
For ripe cut avocados:

• Drizzle the flesh with lemon or lime juice.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate immediately.

For unripe cut avocados:

• Sprinkle with citrus juice.
• Reassemble the halves.
• Wrap securely and store in the fridge.

Freezing Avocados: A Long-Term Fix
Bought in bulk or dealing with leftovers?

• Puree the avocado flesh and store it in airtight freezer-safe containers.
• This method is ideal for smoothies, spreads, and sauces later.

Avocados may be quick to spoil in summer, but a few smart storage tricks can keep them fresher for longer. Whether whole, halved, or pureed, there's a way to enjoy this green superfruit without waste - even when the temperatures rise.