Avocados are a beloved fruit, but they can be tricky to keep fresh. The flesh turns brown very quickly once the skin is peeled away, which also happens when you scoop the flesh out to make smashed avocado or guacamole. This browning occurs due to oxidation. When the fruit is cut, an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase inside the cells is exposed to oxygen in the air, triggering a chemical reaction that converts compounds into brown pigments, resulting in an unappealing appearance.
However, a lifestyle and DIY content creator has shared a nifty trick to keep mashed avocado and guacamole fresher and greener for longer. Erin Bowleware, known as @keyitserintay on Instagram, revealed her secret: placing the avocado stone back into the centre of the guacamole. In a Reel done in collaboration with The Feed Feed, she simply places the stone into the centre of the guacamole, which is already in a tub, before covering tightly with cling film.
How the Hack Works
Erin wrote in the post’s caption: “Guac hack you’ll actually use! Placing the avocado pit back in your homemade guac + a few easy tricks keeps it greener, fresher, and party-ready longer. Note: my recipe calls for a little lemon juice, I add just a tiny bit of water over the top, and then the air tight plastic wrap is the primary key player here. All of these details combined made our guac last through an entire pool party! Perfect for 4th of July snacks, summer BBQs, or let’s-be-honest, when you’re just hoarding the dip for yourself.”
The Reel has already been viewed over 471,000 times, receiving 3,884 likes and 146 comments. Wild Food Story replied: “The primary key player is the avocado stone, I believe - it’s done all over Mexico to keep big bowls of guacamole fresh. I didn’t see them also use plastic wrap. I use this trick at home and it really works.” Shelley commented: “I actually did know this. My friend grandma taught me this.” Home with Hart dubbed the hack: “Game changer!” Another said, “So smart perfect for parties or pool days.”
Expert Opinions and Alternative Views
However, not everyone was convinced. She Cooks Healthy responded with their own suggestion: “It’s a myth, to be honest. Storing in a very good air tight container is the real hack I have been using doing since last 6-7 months.” Fcochc recommended: “Actually, the avocado seed doesn't do anything. The best secret is to completely cover the avocado with a damp paper towel; this prevents it from oxidizing.”
Cory Fernandez, Associate Food Editor at The Kitchn, tested out the hack for himself. He wrote: “This method did absolutely nothing to prevent browning on any part of the surface of the guacamole. Within an hour, the guacamole started to brown a lot. The only reason this method is ranked higher than the olive oil method is that it didn’t alter the flavor of the guacamole.”
