We love avocados…here are a few tips which, hopefully, help you select and preserve left overs.
How to tell if an avocado is ripe:
If you gently squeeze the avocado, the skin should give just a little. Another method is to remove the brown stem and check the color underneath: If the color is yellow it is not yet ripe – if it is GREEN it is ripe and ready to eat – but if it is brown it is over ripe.
How to preserve left over avocados:
I have tried numerous tips to keep avocados from turning brown after being cut and exposed to air. When air hits the avocado, it turns brown in a short time…not too appealing. So what to do to extend the life? Without much success I’ve tried leaving the pit in, wrapping in plastic, placing an onion with the avocado in a plastic bag and who knows how many other tips. UNTIL…yes one more try, using water to keep the air from the avocado worked!
(Case 1): In this example, let’s assume I’m making a simple avocado spread. First I would cut the avocado in half lengthwise, discard the pit, scoop the fruit out of the skin with a spoon, place in a small bowl, add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice over the avocado, then mash with a fork.
If I only use some of the spread I’ll want to reserve the rest…here’s what to do:
(1) Place the avocado spread in a container (one which can be tightly sealed)
(2) Level the spread
(3) Gently pour water over the spread; be sure to cover all of the spread with about 1/2 inch of water to seal it from air exposure
(4) Tightly close the container lid
(5) Place in refrigerator
The next day, open the container, pour off the water, stir the avocado spread and there you have it, fresh looking! I tried keeping the spread for two days and it was fine, however I didn’t want to push my luck. Below is the result…FRESH AVOCADO, no brown!
Now go eat that YUMMY avocado spread the second day!!
(Case 2): In this example, we have cut the avocado in half lengthwise. We took out the pit, scooped out half of the avocado and slices it for a sandwich. Now what to do with the left over half of the avocado.
(1) Just take the half, turn it upside down (skin side out) in a bowl.
(2) Cover with water
(3) Place in refrigerator (I’ve only tried it for 24 hours)
(4) When ready to use, drain water
(5) Pat fruit of the avocado dry with a paper towel
(6) Scoop out and slice
After 24 hours preserving in the refrigerator, below is what you have. Better than throwing it away! Let me hear how this method works for you.
The result…FRESH AVOCADO, no brown!