Can You Freeze Avocados?
Avocados tend to be expensive certain times of year, especially where we live. That’s why when we see them on sale, we stock up! But there are occasions that a perfectly ripe avocado turns to mush before we can use it. The key to getting the most out of your well-intentioned avocado purchase? Freeze the avocados!
Can You Freeze an Avocado?
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.
Follow our tested expert tips and advice for freezing avocados in ways that will preserve their flavor, color, and make them easy to use in your favorite avocado recipes.
How to Freeze Avocado
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!
We’ve even had some readers tell us that they have frozen whole avocados in the skin and thawed them with good results. So, if you don’t have time to do our preferred methods above, try tossing the whole thing in the freezer! We’ve can’t guarantee it will come out as well preserved, but it’s better than tossing it in the trash.
How Long Can You Freeze Avocado?
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.
How to Thaw Frozen Avocado
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.
Recipes to Use Up Your Frozen Avocado
BLUEBERRY AVOCADO MUFFINS WITH LEMON STREUSEL TOPPING
GREEN MACHINE SMOOTHIE (+ FREEZER PACK INSTRUCTIONS)
Guacamole for the Masses
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? Read on…
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