Can You Freeze Avocados?
This post may contain affiliate or sponsored links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Avocados are a delicious and versatile fruit, perfect for everything from guacamole to smoothies. However, they can ripen quickly and spoil if not used in time. This brings up the question: Can you freeze avocados? The answer is yes!
Freezing avocados is a great way to preserve them and enjoy their creamy goodness even when they’re not in season. In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps to freeze avocados properly and how to use them after freezing.
Yes, You Can Freeze Avocados!
Listen up, all you avocado lovers, we are here to tell you that YES, you can freeze an avocado! In fact, California Avocados recommends freezing them so that you can enjoy them at any time.
However, once avocados are frozen, the texture will be somewhat affected. That’s why we recommend using frozen avocado in dips, spreads, smoothies, and baked goods, although we’ve been known to still use thawed avocado on top of salads from time to time.
How to Freeze Avocados
There are a few ways to freeze avocados, depending on how you’d like to use them. Follow our tips and instructions below to freeze avocados perfectly every time.
Freeze Avocado Halves:
- Slice the avocado in half, remove the seed/pit and then scoop out the flesh.
- Brush all sides of the avocado with a bit of fresh lemon juice (or just squeeze a lemon over it and rub the juice all around) to help prevent browning.
- Wrap each avocado half in plastic wrap, making sure the plastic clings to the curve where the seed was. Preventing air exposure is key to preventing browning and freezer burn.
- Place wrapped avocado halves in a gallon-sized freezer bag, then make sure all the air gets pressed out when sealing the bag.
- Label and date the bag and freeze!
Freeze Mashed or Pureed Avocados:
- Place peeled and seeded avocado halves in a bowl.
- For every three avocados, add the juice of half a lemon. Use a fork to mash the juice into the avocado until you have the desired texture.
- Place the mashed avocado in a quart or gallon-size freezer bag and remove all air from the bag as you seal it.
- Label and date the bag and freeze!
Thawing Instructions
It’s best to thaw frozen avocado in the fridge for a few hours. You can also submerge the sealed container with avocado in it in a bowl of cold water for about an hour.
Once avocados are thawed, you should plan to use them within a few hours for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
According to the USDA, as long as frozen food is kept at 0°F in the freezer, it is safe to consume for an indefinite amount of time.
However, our experience in writing two freezer cooking cookbooks, From Freezer to Table and From Freezer to Cooker, has proven that most frozen foods, including avocados, should be consumed within about 3 months for optimal taste and texture.
Yes, you can freeze avocados! But it’s important to make sure they’re at peak ripeness before you do. Unripe avocados might never ripen if they’re frozen.
You can eat an avocado or guacamole that has turned brown due to oxidation, just like you can eat an apple that has undergone the same chemical reaction. It doesn’t look as appetizing, and the taste may be a tad bitter.
Ripe avocados should yield to gentle pressure without leaving indentations or feeling mushy. Also if the stem comes away easily, it is ripe. A stem that’s difficult to pull off means the avocado is underripe.
Recipes to Use Up Your Frozen Avocado
Blueberry Avocado Muffins
These healthy blueberry avocado muffins pack some serious nutritional punch but is still a treat! It’s got sneaky ingredients like avocado, Greek yogurt, and whole wheat flour. Add the crumb topping that’s infused with lemon zest for a delicious (yet nutritious) muffin!
Green Machine Smoothie
This easy, healthy Green Machine Smoothie is a great way to start the day, especially if you’ve worked ahead and made a few freezer smoothie packs. Simply blend your powerhouse ingredients (avocado, mango, kale, chia seeds, and liquid of choice), and you’ll be charged up for a great day.
Guacamole
If you are serving a Mexican recipe, Chips & Guacamole are an essential side dish. The recipe was created to serve the masses but my guess is leftovers won’t be much of a problem.
Bottom Line
You can absolutely freeze avocados! Keep in mind that the texture will be different once thawed, and plan to use your frozen avocados in dips, spreads, smoothies, and baked goods.
What Else Can You Freeze?
Wondering what else you can stock up on and freeze? Here are more well-researched and well-tested articles we wrote from our experience.
- How to Freeze Tortillas
- How to Freeze Butter
- How to Freeze Muffins
- How to Freeze Bananas
- How to Freeze Zucchini
- How to Freeze Rice
- How to Freeze Avocados
- How to Freeze Cheese
- How to Freeze Pesto
- How to Freeze Quiche
- How to Freeze Chicken Pot Pie
- How to Freeze Chicken and Dumplings
- How to Freeze White Chicken Chili
- How Long Steak Is Good in the Freezer
Leave a Comment