So you love avocados so much that you want to have fresh avocados year round.
We toss other things in the freezer to keep them fresh longer so why not toss some ripe avocados in the freezer and have fresh avocados year round?
Well for all your avocado lovers out there like me… you should read this guide before tossing avocados into your freezer.
Avocados can be frozen to preserve them for up to 6 months when properly stored. However, freezing avocados will affect the texture and color. Thawed avocados will have a mushier texture that is best for guacamole, spreads, and dips.
So avocados can be kept in the freezer but they will be different when thawed. So let’s cover how to properly store avocados in the freezer and what recipes we can use when they thaw.
Are Frozen Avocados Any Good?
First let’s cover if frozen avocados are even worthwhile.
Freezing Avocados Changes Texture
Avocados that get frozen will form ice crystals from the liquid within the fruit. This will change the texture of the avocado’s flesh since our creamy avocado is forming ice crystals throughout its flesh.
This means a thawed avocado will be watery and the flesh might feel grainy, slimy, and mushy. All words that you probably don’t want to hear when thinking of avocados.
Freezing Avocados May Change Color
Freezing avocados may also change the color the avocado from green to brown. Normally this doesn’t have any dramatic affect on the flavor but most people are not fond of a brown avocado.
Avocado flesh will turn brown when exposed to air due to oxidation. So the trick is to keep the avocado flesh away from air as best as possible.
We’ll cover how to properly store avocados in the freezer to prevent the color from changing and to help keep the avocados fresh.
Verdict – Is Freezing Avocados A Good Idea?
Freezing avocados does work but you will be limited in what dishes you can use your thawed avocados in due to the texture, color, and taste differences.
However, if you want to save some extra avocados for a future time then freezing them isn’t a bad idea.
How To Prepare Avocados For Freezing
Preparing avocados for freezing is a crucial step in ensuring that your avocados do not turn brown. This step will also help keep your avocados as fresh as possible.
Here are the steps for freezing halves or pieces of avocados and guacamole.
How To Freeze Avocados
Whole avocados should not be tossed in the freezer. Instead, the avocado needs to be sliced open so it can be stored properly.
Follow these steps for freezing avocado pieces:
- Cut a ripe avocado in half
- Remove the pit and skin
- Cut or slice the avocado into smaller pieces that you would normally use
- Place avocado pieces into a bowl
- Squeeze lemon or lime juice over the avocados and ensure all sides are coated
- Place avocados and lemon or lime juice into a resealable bag or vacuum sealed bag
- Squeeze out as much air as possible
- Air is what will turn the avocados brown through oxidation
- Write the expiration date on the bag which is 6 months from today
The avocados should be placed in the freezer in an area where they will not get crushed by other items. Once the avocados are frozen then they can be placed in any spot in the freezer.
How To Freeze Mashed or Pureed Avocados a.k.a. Guacamole
Guacamole and other mashed forms of avocado can be stored in the freezer.
However, you do not want to freeze any guacamole that has other watery vegetables added to it such as tomatoes or onions. These extra vegetables will be the guacamole more watery when its thawed out which will make it mushier or slimier.
For just mashed avocados or very basic guacamole, follow these steps for properly storing it in the freezer:
- Make your guacamole or mashed avocados
- Add lemon or lime juice and any other seasonings
- Mix thoroughly
- Place into a resealable bag, ice cube tray, or vacuum sealed bag
- Squeeze out as much air as possible
- Air is what will turn the avocados brown through oxidation
- Write the expiration date on the bag which is 6 months from today
How To Thaw Frozen Avocados and Guacamole
Thawing frozen avocados and guacamole is best done overnight in the fridge. Typically it takes frozen avocados and guacamole about 8 hours to thoroughly thaw in the refrigerator.
If you want to thaw your avocados and guac faster then you can use the following technique.
- Place frozen avocados or guac into bowl
- Pour cool water in bowl
- Let bowl sit on counter or sink
- Pour out water and fill with fresh cool water every 30 minutes
Typically frozen avocados and guacamole will thaw in about 1 hour using this bowl of cool water method.
How To Use Thawed Avocados and Guacamole
Thawed avocados and guacamole that have been frozen may have a mushy texture and bland flavor. This means thawed avocados and guac should not be eaten by itself.
However, thawed avocados and guacamole are great additions for salad dressing, smoothies, dips, and spreads. Any dish where the avocado is being added to something is the perfect recipe to use.
If the thawed avocado or guacamole is too watery or bland then try adding seasoning such as salt and pepper and mixing thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
Avocados and guacamole can be frozen. However, freezing avocados will affect the texture, taste, and color of this food so use it as soon as possible.
There are plenty of great dishes that you can still make with thawed avocados such as salad dressings, dips, spreads, and smoothies. However, eating a slice of thawed avocado will not taste great.
So don’t let any avocados go to waste. If you have extra ripe avocados laying around then prepare them correctly so you can store them in the freezer. That way you can enjoy avocados at any time of the year.
