Avocados — who can resist their creamy, buttery goodness? The darling of health-conscious eaters worldwide, this green fruit (yes, it’s a fruit) has taken the world by storm. And for a good reason! Thanks to their mild and slightly nutty flavor and soft texture, avocados are incredibly versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes – think avocado scrambled eggs, tacos or chocolate-avocado mousse.

But they’re also highly nutritious and rich in fiber, potassium and healthy monounsaturated fat. Their only downside? They go bad faster than you get to say guacamole. In this article, we’ll show you 5 easy ways to avoid wasting those precious avos. But first…

Why Do Avocados Ripen So Fast?

Avocados are like a shooting star. Don’t blink or you may miss the brief moment when they go from hard and bitter to perfectly ripe, smooth and packed with flavor. The reason why is that avocado doesn’t ripen until it’s picked. But when it does, it kicks into high gear fast! So, it’s easy to end up with a brown, mushy, rancid-smelling piece of fruit. Can you still eat it? Yes, but you’re not going to enjoy the taste, smell —or looks of it. 

Without further ado – here are our top 5 tips on how to avoid avocados going bad and contribute to a sustainable, zero waste kitchen.

Pick a Perfect Avocado

The best way to avoid avocados from going overripe or spoiled is to choose the perfect one – depending on when you plan to use it.

First off, color can be deceptive – always go by touch. 

Avocado is ripe and ready to eat if you apply firm but gentle pressure and it gives – feeling soft but not mushy. Found a great deal, but aren’t ready to enjoy them the same day? Make sure you buy “breaking” or almost-ripe avocados. They’re firm, but don’t yield to the pressure as much as the ready-to-eat ones. Keep them for up to 48 hours at room temperature to ripen.

Slow Down Browning With Avocado Huggers

Used only a half of avocado and want to store the other half for a while?

The issue is that cutting an avocado open exposes it to oxygen and speeds up the browning process. 

While some might reach out for a plastic wrap, we have a better solution.

 Avocado Huggers, our signature eco friendly kitchen tools – are one of best plastic wrap alternatives for avocado lovers out there and an easy way to  combat food waste at home. 

Made of BPA-free silicone and dishwasher safe, these little cuties will gently hug your avocado half and protect it from browning. 

Each set of Avocado Huggers has 2 huggers of different sizes that fit most avocado sizes and shapes. A perfect gift for eco-conscious avocado lovers who strive for a zero waste kitchen.

Freeze Your Avocados

It’s not easy to tell, but yes — avocados can be frozen and their ripeness preserved easily for up to 3 months. There are a few different ways you can freeze them:

• Mashed with some lemon juice: great for avocado toast and guacamole
• Whole or halves: perfect for smoothies and sauces
• Slices or chunks: amazing in salads, tacos and sandwiches

Next, place them into a reusable freezer container, Avocado Huggers or a Hugger Bag until you’re ready to use them.

Thawing them is easy, too. You can do so by keeping them overnight in the fridge or for an hour at room temperature, microwaving them for a few seconds or submerging them in a bowl of room-temperature water

 Use Them Before They Go Bad

 Avocados can be expensive – especially if you’re a budget-conscious consumer. So let’s put them to good use before they go bad and let them work their delicious magic. Here are some of our top healthy recipe picks:

1. Whip Up a Creamy Avocado Egg Bake

Looking for a quick, easy and delish brunch inspo? This keto and paleo friendly avocado egg bake is a no-fuss hearty, healthy and filling dish you’ve been waiting for. 

Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit and crack an egg into each half. Season to your liking, place both halves onto a baking tray lined up with a reusable silicone baking sheet and bake until the egg whites are set.

2. Make a Decadent Chocolate Mousse

Are you a dessert lover but want to stay on the healthier side?

Combine avocado flesh, cocoa powder, milk and sweetener of your choice in a blender until the mixture is compact and smooth. This is a rich guilt-free dessert you’ll be returning to – over and over again!

3. Craft Your Homemade Ice Cream (No-Churn)

Thanks to its richness and high fat content, avocado is a fantastic plant-based cream substitute. And this avocado ice cream is a thick and creamy treat you can indulge in — without worrying about calories or your sugar intake.

Simply blend 2 ripe avocados, coconut milk, sweetener and a touch of vanilla extract until creamy. Feel free to add flavorings of your choice to the mixture — toasted coconut flakes, chocolate chips, ripe banana, or a spoonful (or two) of nut butter. Then transfer this mixture into a bowl until it has the perfect ice cream consistency and you can scoop it out. Serve it in a cone, glass, or on top of a baked pineapple or avocado brownie!

4. Bake Mouthwatering Avocado Brownies

Blend 2 ripe avocados, natural sweetener, half a cup of almond flour and half a cup of cocoa powder until smooth. Transfer the batter to a pan and bake until the edges start to separate from the sides of the pan.

Top with berries, raisins, sea salt or – our favorite – homemade avocado ice cream.

Lemonize Them

The antioxidants in citrus juice slow down oxidation and browning.

Brush a bit of fresh lemon or lime juice on an avocado slice or half to create a barrier against oxygen, and you’ll increase their shelf life for 1-2 days. Pro Tip: You can also brush lemon or lime juice in your Avocado Hugger to extend the window of freshness even a little bit further. 

Your Thoughts?

We hope this article inspires you in pursuing a more eco-friendly lifestyle and zero waste kitchen.

Did we miss anything? Let us know your favorite method to avoid avocado browning or spoilage! 

As a small B Corp certified and women owned business on a mission to reduce food waste at home, we thank you for your support.

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