Can You Freeze Avocados?
Avocados are chock full of flavor and nutrients, but it can sometimes be tricky to use up several ripe avocados when they ripen all at once. Whether you bought avocados on sale or just have a surplus from a generous tree in your yard, freezing them can help prevent waste and keep that creamy goodness ready for your next recipe. Use our tips below and pop them in the freezer so you can have them on hand for all kinds of recipes. Guacamole, smoothies, dressings, and spreads can come together in no time when you have a stash of frozen avocado. So, if you find a good deal, snatch them up, then use the following tips to freeze them for later.
Freezing Avocados Whole
You can freeze the entire fruit, skin and all! This is the easiest way, and it works great. Here’s all you do:
Avocado Halves
You’re doing a little bit more work on the front end, but having avocado halves on hand are great for when you only need a little bit at a time and don’t want to use an entire fruit.
Avocado Slices
Having frozen slices of avocado on hand are perfect for smoothies! Just grab a few at a time and toss in with fruit and veggies and you have a creamy, healthy snack or meal.
Mashed Avocado
Mashed avocado, or avocado puree, can stay in the freezer for six months or longer, and works perfectly for guacamole, baby food, salad dressings, or spreads.
Tips for Freezing
Use ripe avocados: Make sure your avocados are ripe. If they are still hard and green or they won’t be soft enough even after they thaw. Lemon juice: Get a cheap spray bottle from The Dollar Store and fill with lemon juice. Then, you can spray the slices evenly with lemon juice before freezing so they don’t brown. Freeze before bagging: Spread slices or cubes of avocado on a baking sheet or tray and freeze slightly before adding them to a freezer bag. Use airtight containers: Make sure to use airtight containers or Ziplock bags when storing avocado in the freezer. Vacuum Seal (Optional): If you have a vacuum sealer, use it to remove excess air from the storage bag or container. This helps prevent freezer burn.
Tips For Thawing and Using Frozen Avocado
Thaw & use right away: Avocado may be brown after thawing, so use them right away or toss with lemon or lime juice before using. Thawing: To thaw, place in a bowl of cold water for about thirty minutes or thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Make guacamole: You can make guacamole and freeze it too! Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Use in recipes: Remember, the texture of avocados may change slightly after freezing, but their flavor remains intact, making them a convenient addition to various dishes, especially those that involve blending or mashing.
Pros and Cons to Freezing Avocados
Pros:
Avocados are full of healthy fats and vitamins, so they’re a terrific source of nutrients for your family. Freezing avocado in cubes allows you to salvage all your ripe fruit to use for later. Frozen avocado chunks are perfect to throw into smoothies, make salad dressings, or spreading on sandwiches, burritos, or tacos. A scoop of mashed avocado makes perfect baby food or guacamole.
Cons:
Avocados contain a lot of water, causing ice crystals to form. This can cause thawed avocado to be a little mushy. Freezing can take away the avocado’s signature creamy texture, so you may want to opt for fresh avocado for slicing on salad or avocado toast.
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How to Freeze Avocado
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