Avocados are delicious fruits packed full of nutrients and antioxidants. They are also very perishable, especially when stored at room temperature. They also contain monounsaturated fats, which can lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
But how long do avocados last before they start going bad? How long does avocado stay fresh after being cut open? What should you do before buying them? What happens to them after they’ve been cut open?
In this article, we’ll answer all these questions!
How long do avocados last?
The shelf life of avocados depends largely on the storage conditions. Frozen or refrigerated avocados will last longer than those that are not frozen or refrigerated. Avocados should be stored in a cool, dry place with good air circulation and away from direct sunlight.
Stored in the right conditions, avocados will ripen in around 4 to 7 days at room temperature (around 20°C).
To extend the shelf life of a cut avocado, store it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bags and refrigerate.
Read About: How to tell if an avocado is ripe
The best way to store them is by placing them in an open paper bag and then wrapping it up tightly so they don’t touch each other. This will help keep them fresh for about two weeks. If you want to extend their shelf life
Fresh avocados (whole)
Fresh Whole avocados have a longer shelf life than sliced ones. The reason why is because cut avocados, like other cut fruit, are exposed to oxidization more easily. Therefore it is a good idea to cut avocados only once you’re ready to use them.
What is the shelf life of fresh avocados?
- Room temperature: 4 to 7 days or until ripe (1-2 days once ripe)
- Refrigerator: 3 to 5 days once ripe
- Freezer: 4 to 6 months (best quality)
Ripe whole avocados stored in a refrigerator will keep for about 3 to 5 days, while those kept at room temperature can be eaten within 2 days. If you want to store your avocados longer than that, you need to put them into a freezer(4 to 6 months).
How to ripen avocados faster
To speed up the ripening process, place the avocados in an airtight plastic bag and keep it in a warm place or leave it on the counter. If you want to speed up the ripening even further, add an apple to your bag.
How long do whole uncut avocados keep in the fridge?
Ripe avocados will keep for about 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Refrigerating avocados before they’re fully ripe is not recommended. Letting them ripen at room temperature will result in tastier avocados.
To keep ripe avocados from spoiling, put them in a plastic bag, then store them in the refrigerator. For best flavor, bring avocados to room temperature before using them.
Can you freeze fresh avocados?
Yes. Peel and mash the avocados. Add to the mash ½ tablespoon of lemon juice for each avocado used to prevent browning. Store mashed avocado in the freezer in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
Read also: How to freeze avocados
How long do avocados keep in the freezer?
If stored in the right conditions, avocados maintain optimum quality for about 4 to 6 months in the freezer but remain safe to eat beyond this period.
How do you know if an avocado is expired?
The best way is to smell and examine the avocados. If the avocados develop an abnormal odor, flavor, or appearance, or if mold appears, they should be discarded.
Fresh avocados (cut)
Cut avocados discolor quickly after cutting. To prevent the avocado slices from browning, apply small amounts of lemon juice to the surface.
You should also store cut avocados in the refrigerator or freeze them. Keeping cut avocados at room temperature is not recommended.
How long do cut avocados keep?
- Refrigerator: 3 to 4 days
- Freezer: 4 to 6 months (best quality)
Avocados discolor quickly when cut. To prevent the avocado pieces from browning, apply a small amount of lemon juice to the exposed flesh.
To extend the shelf life of cut avocados, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and refrigerate.
How long do cut avocados keep in the fridge?
Stored in good conditions, cut avocados will keep for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze cut avocados?
Yes, you can freeze avocados after they have been cut. They will keep in the freezer for about 6 months. However, you should defrost them before using them.
How long do cut avocados keep in the freezer?
If stored properly, cut avocados maintain optimum quality for about 4-6 months in the freezer, but remain safe to eat beyond that time.
How do you know if cut avocados are expired?
The best way is to smell and examine the cut avocados. Throw them away if they smell or look abnormal, or if mold appears.
What to look for when buying avocados
When purchasing whole avocados, make sure that they feel heavy for their size. The skin should be smooth without any cracks or blemishes. Avocados are usually sold in a plastic bag with the stem end facing up and the pit end facing down. If you see brown spots on the skin of an avocado, it is likely spoiled.
If you plan to use your avocado immediately, remove the pit from the fruit by slicing around the perimeter of the pit with a sharp knife.
Read more articles on avocado:
Everything about avocado
Benefits of avocado
How to Peel an Avocado
FAQs
How do I know if an avocado is ripe?
The skin should feel soft and give slightly when pressed. The flesh should yield easily to gentle pressure.
How do you prolong the shelf life of an avocado?
The best way to keep avocados fresh is to store them in a refrigerator. If you want to extend their shelf life even further, wrap each avocado in plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container before storing it in the freezer.
Does avocado go bad in the fridge?
Avocado is a fruit that can be stored for up to two weeks at room temperature. If you want to store it longer, refrigerate it. Avocados are best eaten within three days of purchase.
Is it OK to eat brown avocado?
Brown spots on avocado are a sign of overripe fruit. Unless it is rotten, it’s perfectly safe to eat, but you may want to cut off the spot before eating.
Can you get sick from eating a bad avocado?
Yes, if you eat a rotten one. Food poisoning from avocado is rare but possible
Conclusion
Avocados are extremely perishable fruits. If stored properly, they should last for several months. However, if they go bad too soon, they won’t taste good anymore. To extend their shelf life, store them in the refrigerator or freezer.
