Avocados are a popular fruit to have on toast, but most people are storing them the wrong way which could be dangerous – a food storage expert has shared the best way to keep them fresh
Avocados are amongst the most beloved fruits as they’re scrumptious on toast, but most folk are storing them incorrectly which could prove hazardous.
It’s a trendy storage trick online to keep avocados submerged in water to maintain their freshness, but this method not only fails but can actually promote dangerous bacteria growth across the fruit.
Rather, the optimal method to preserve avocados fresh for weeks involves using straightforward lime juice as it creates a protective shield over the avocado and stops bacteria or air from ruining it.
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Karl Graham, a food storage specialist from Click Storage, said: “Storing avocados with lime juice has become popular despite their rising costs and temperamental ripening process.
“The acidity in lime juice helps to slow down this enzyme, keeping the avocados vibrant, green, and fresh for longer. This is particularly beneficial for those who like to meal prep or stock up on avocados for the week.”
How to use lime juice to keep avocados fresh for much longer
Position any newly purchased avocados somewhere in your kitchen and avoid placing them in the fridge until they’ve completely ripened. Keeping un-ripened fruit at chilly temperatures will stop them from fully developing which will impact their taste and make them taste dreadful.
Unripe avocados will display bright green skin, whilst ripe avocados will show dark green to almost black skin. Karl said: “If the stem of the avocado can be easily removed from the top of the avocado and the flesh underneath is green, it’s ripe.”
After the avocado has reached perfect ripeness, slice the fruit in two and gently coat the inner flesh with lime juice. This technique will protect the avocado and reduce the activity of enzymes that trigger the fruit’s browning and deterioration process, reports the Express.
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Karl revealed: “When avocados are exposed to air, enzymes in the fruit react with oxygen, turning the flesh brown. The citric acid in citrus juice helps to inhibit these enzymes, preserving the green colour of the avocado.”
After the avocado has ripened and received its lime juice treatment, pop it into an airtight container and stick it straight in the fridge. Correctly preserving avocados won’t just prevent you from binning off rotten produce and squandering cash, but it’ll also make the fruit far more delicious.
Karl said: “Storing avocados with lime juice can also enhance their flavour. The lime juice’s tartness cuts through the avocado’s creamy richness, creating a delicious balance of flavours. Lastly, lime juice helps retain nutritional value, such as potassium, folate, and vitamin C, while extending shelf life and saving money.”