Avocados keep fresh 14 days longer with clever storage method - won’t brown or spoil | Express.co.uk

Avocados are one of the most popular fruits as they are delicious to have on toast, but most people are storing them the wrong way which could be dangerous.

It is a popular storage hack online to store avocados in water to keep them fresh, but not only does this not work but it can encourage harmful bacteria to grow all over the fruit.

Instead, the best way to keep avocados fresh for weeks is to use simple lime juice as it acts as a protective barrier over the avocado and prevents bacteria or air from spoiling it.

Karl Graham, a food storage expert from Click Storage, said: “Storing avocados with lime juice has become popular despite their rising costs and temperamental ripening process.

“The acidity in lime juice helps to slow down this enzyme, keeping the avocados vibrant, green, and fresh for longer. This is particularly beneficial for those who like to meal prep or stock up on avocados for the week.”

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Place any freshly bought avocados somewhere in your kitchen and do not put them in the fridge just yet until they have fully ripened.

Storing unripened fruit at cold temperatures will prevent them from fully growing which will affect their flavour and cause them to taste awful.

Unripe avocados will have bright green skin, while ripe avocados will have dark green to nearly black skin.

Karl said: “If the stem of the avocado can be easily removed from the top of the avocado and the flesh underneath is green, it’s ripe.”

Once the avocado has ripened, cut the fruit in half and lightly brush the inside flesh with lime juice.

This will seal the avocado and slow down the enzymes that cause the fruit to begin browning and decaying.

Karl explained: “When avocados are exposed to air, enzymes in the fruit react with oxygen, turning the flesh brown. The citric acid in citrus juice helps to inhibit these enzymes, preserving the green colour of the avocado.”

Once the avocado has ripened and been brushed with lime juice, then store it in an airtight container and simply place it in the fridge.

Not only will properly storing avocados stop you from throwing up spoiled food and wasting money, but it will also make the fruit much tastier.

Karl said: “Storing avocados with lime juice can also enhance their flavour. The lime juice's tartness cuts through the avocado's creamy richness, creating a delicious balance of flavours.

“Lastly, lime juice helps retain nutritional value, such as potassium, folate, and vitamin C, while extending shelf life and saving money.”

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