How to Freeze Avocados and Keep Their Flavor

How to Freeze Avocados and Keep Their Flavor

Ever dig into your fruit bowl for an avocado, only to find it’s turned brown and mushy? You’re not alone. If you’ve got avocados that are perfectly ripe but you don’t have time to whip up a fresh batch of guacamole or a refreshing avocado smoothie, consider freezing them.

Ripe avocados are packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamins, and minerals like Vitamins A, K, E, and magnesium. To make the most of your avocados when they’re at their peak ripeness, follow these tips for freezing.

How to Freeze Avocado Halves or Quarters

Before you start, wash your hands for 20 seconds as recommended by the USDA. Then:

1. Wash your avocados. (Yes, you really do need to wash them.)
2. Carefully cut the avocado in half with a sharp knife. Then, gently remove the pit with a spoon.
3. Peel off the skin like you would a banana. You can also scoop out the flesh with a small spoon.
4. Cut into quarters or leave as halves. Place them in a resealable bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to one month. If you want, you can follow the California Avocado Commission’s advice to brush avocado slices or halves with lemon juice, wrap them in plastic wrap, and then place them in the resealable bag.

How to Freeze Mashed Avocado

Mashing your avocado is another great way to preserve it while also saving freezer space. Mashed avocado can last in the freezer for at least a few weeks.

Instead of freezing in slices, mash your avocado, squeeze in lemon juice, and then lay it flat in a sealable bag to freeze. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash, making it as creamy or chunky as you like. You can even plan ahead for your next taco night by turning it into a frozen guacamole.

Fresh avocado is usually best for most avocado recipes, as thawed avocado might not have the same smooth texture. You can get creative with your frozen avocado, though, by using it for morning smoothies. When the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to turn your frozen avocado into a margarita or a no-churn ice cream. You can enjoy the avocado and gelato blend plain, or make it into a sweet version of avocado toast.