Avocados contain a particular enzyme that reacts with oxygen, turning the flesh brown. According to Hello Fresh, all you need to stop this is a little olive oil and a pastry brush or something similar. The food delivery service suggests brushing the exposed avocado flesh with a light layer of olive oil, which acts as a barrier to protect the avocado but will add some flavour too.
How to Store Cut Avocados
Hello Fresh advises people to always store a cut avocado in the fridge, as this will prevent it from ripening any further and losing its texture. The recommendation is to wrap the cut surface tightly with cling film and use it within three days. If the avocado is very ripe, it should be used even sooner. The service also suggests sprinkling lemon or lime juice over the avocado, as the citric acid in the juice fights the enzyme in the avocado.
Why Do Avocados Go Brown?
Hello Fresh explains that avocados contain a particular enzyme that reacts with oxygen, turning the flesh brown. Since oxygen is all around us, the browning process starts as soon as an avocado is cut. As an avocado ripens, the enzyme becomes stronger, meaning the riper the avocado, the faster it will turn brown. To prevent this, the access to oxygen must be cut off, which is why using lemon, limes, cling film, or brushing with olive oil is recommended.
Can I Freeze Avocados?
Yes, avocados can be frozen, and it is a handy way to use up any extras. Start by removing the skin and stone, then slice or dice the flesh. Brush it with lemon or lime juice, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to a month. Defrost before using. Without the citrus juice, the avocado can still discolour in the freezer. It will also soften as it freezes, so it is best used in recipes where a softer texture works well.
What to Look for When Buying an Avocado
Hello Fresh suggests giving the avocado a gentle squeeze. It should yield slightly, meaning it softens when pressed gently and then springs back a bit. If it is very soft, it is overripe and will not cook well. If it is hard, it needs a few more days to ripen. The service recommends storing underripe avocados out of the fridge and checking ripeness daily using this checklist. Once ripe, move it to the fridge to slow it from turning mushy.
How to Ripen Avocados Quickly
Keep unripe avocados out of the fridge. To speed up ripening, pop them in a paper bag with a banana. The banana releases natural gases that help them ripen faster. Check them every 12 hours so they do not go too soft.
