Expiration & Storage Tips
When does avocado expire?
An unopened avocado usually lasts around 4 to 7 days on the counter until it's perfectly ripe. Once cut open, avocados can go bad quickly, typically within 24 hours, especially when left at room temperature. However, storing an open avocado in the refrigerator can slow down the browning process, and it might last up to 3 days. If you have frozen avocado, you can expect it to last up to 4 to 6 months without losing quality.
How do you tell if avocado is bad?
It's easy to identify a spoiled avocado. First, you'll notice a dark discoloration in the skin. When you cut it open, the flesh inside should be a vibrant green. If it's brown or black, and especially if it has developed a mushy or moldy texture, the avocado is bad and should not be eaten. Another clear sign that an avocado has gone bad is a sour smell. Fresh avocados have a mildly sweet, earthy aroma. If the smell is strong, off-putting, or akin to rotting fruit, it is best to discard it.
Tips for storing avocado to extend shelf life
• Store avocados on the counter until they are ripe. To speed up ripening, place the avocado in a brown paper bag with a banana or an apple, as these fruits give off ethylene gas, a natural ripening agent.
• Once the avocado is ripe, store it in the refrigerator to slow down the ripening process.
• If you've cut the avocado and wish to store the remaining part, leave the pit in, as it helps prevent browning. Wrap it tightly in cling wrap or place it in an airtight container before refrigerating it.
• To freeze avocados, mash the flesh and add a little bit of lime or lemon juice. This will prevent browning. Place the mixture in a zip-top bag, squeeze out most of the air, seal it tightly and place in the freezer.