You can do almost anything with an avocado. From guacamole to avocado toast, this fruit is a delicious addition to any meal. But what about freezing them? Can you freeze avocados and still keep their flavor, texture, and nutritional content intact? The answer is yes—but it takes a bit of preparation.
In this article, we’ll give you the ins and outs of freezing avocados so that you can enjoy their nutrition and deliciousness long after the growing season is over.
We’ll discuss the best way to prepare them for freezing, the potential risks associated with frozen avocados, how to tell when they are still fresh enough to use, and much more! So, let’s get started and find out if you can indeed freeze avocados.
What Are Avocados?
Many of us are familiar with avocados—the popular green fruit that’s a staple in many diets. But do you really know what an avocado is?
Avocados are considered a fruit, although they have very unique characteristics. Unlike other fruits we’re used to, avocados are high in fat and calories and are a great source of vitamins, minerals and dietary fibers.
They contain high levels of monounsaturated fats that help reduce cholesterol levels in the body, as well as potassium, vitamin K, B vitamins, folate and Vitamin E. And of course, they make a great addition to salads, sandwiches or guacamole!
How to Choose the Best Avocados for Freezing
One of the most important things to consider when freezing avocados is the selection and preparation process.
The best avocados for freezing are usually those that are slightly underripe—a bit firmer in texture, but still ripe enough to enjoy raw. If your avocados are overripe, it won’t make much of a difference in the texture of your avocado post-freezing.
When selecting your avocados, be sure to inspect them for any brown or soft spots, bruises, or other signs of spoilage. Avoid any that have already begun to ripen too much and discard any that have been cut into or are starting to turn brown on the inside.
Finally, be sure to rinse and dry each avocado before freezing it. This will help remove any bacteria or other contaminants and will make it easier to peel once it is defrosted.
The Best Way to Freeze Avocados
Believe it or not, freezing avocados is actually a thing—and it’s actually a pretty simple thing to do. Are you ready? Here’s the best and easiest way to freeze avocados:
- Start with ripe avocados, making sure they are ripe but still firm. That’s important, because soft avocados won’t hold up as well when frozen.
- Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit.
- Scoop out the flesh of the avocado with a spoon and put it into a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Add a bit of lemon juice or lime juice (this will prevent them from turning brown).
- Seal the container or bag and place in the freezer.
- When you want to use the avocados, just take them out of the freezer and let them thaw for about an hour at room temperature and then enjoy.
Done! That’s really all there is to it—now you can rest easy knowing that you have frozen avocado ready for smoothie-making and guacamole-dipping whenever you want!
How to Thaw and Use Frozen Avocados
When the time comes to thaw your frozen avocados, you’ll want to do it slowly in the refrigerator. Allow at least one day for it to thaw completely. Once they are thawed, you can use them in any recipe that calls for fresh avocados or use them as garnish.
How to Tell if Your Avocado is Ripe
It’s important to note that frozen avocados will ripen differently than fresh avocados, so you’ll want to pay attention when picking out a ripe one. A ripe avocado will be slightly soft and pliable when gently squeezed, with a slight give without feeling mushy.
How to Prepare Avocados for Freezing
Before freezing your avocados, you’ll need to prepare them first – here’s how:
- Peel and remove the pit from each avocado
- Slice the avocado into cubes or slices
- Cover each avocado piece with lemon juice or citrus juice (this will help prevent discoloration)
- Place into an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer
Freezing avocados is a great way to ensure they don’t go bad before you can use them, plus it preserves all their health benefits too!
Recipes That Involve Frozen Avocados
But can you freeze avocados? Absolutely–and that opens up a whole world of possibilities. Freezing avocados can be a great way to make meals in advance, so you can just grab and go when it’s time to eat. You can also freeze them for smoothies and other recipes.
Smoothie Ingredients
Adding frozen avocado to your smoothies is a great way to add healthy fats. Not only does it add flavor, but freezing it will also make your smoothie thicker and creamier. And don’t forget about adding other frozen fruits to the mix—they’ll make for an even better smoothie.
Guacamole
You can freeze guacamole, too! Make sure your guacamole is fresh, with no extra water added to it, then spoon it into an air-tight container and pop it into the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge or in a bowl of cold water then enjoy!
Avocado Ice Cream
If you’ve ever wanted an ice cream that was healthy and creamy as well as indulgent, then this one’s for you! Simply blend together frozen avocado chunks with almond milk (or any other kind of milk that you prefer) until smooth then enjoy! You could even add toppings like chocolate chips or fruit slices if you’re feeling creative.
Tips and Tricks for Freezing Avocados
When it comes to freezing avocados, there are some tips and tricks that you should keep in mind to ensure delicious avocados time and time again.
Select ripe avocados
When freezing, make sure to choose ripe avocados that have a nice green color with a slight amount of give when gently squeezed. Avoid overly soft or bruised avocados as the texture will change significantly after being frozen.
Pre-freeze preparation
It is important to prepare the avocado before freezing it. Halve the avocado and remove the seed. Cut the flesh into cubes or slices if desired. Some recommend lightly brushing them with lemon juice or lime juice to prevent the oxidation of the fruit.
Blanching
Blanching (heating) before freezing can help preserve their flavor and texture for up to eight months. To blanch, drop avocado pieces into boiling water for about one minute or until they turn bright green. Immediately remove them from boiling water and plunge them into an ice bath to stop cooking process. Pat them dry before freezing.
Freezing
Arrange the pre-frozen avocado pieces in a single layer on a cookie sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and place into freezer until pieces are solid (about 2-3 hours). Once hard, transfer pieces into airtight containers or freezer bags and label with date of storage before returning back to freezer for up to 8 months. When ready to use, remove as many cubes as you need from freezer bag/container and thaw in refrigerator overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze whole avocados?
No, it’s not recommended to freeze whole avocados. The high water content of avocados causes them to expand when frozen, which can lead to a mushy and unappetizing texture. Instead, it’s best to freeze mashed or pureed avocados.
How long can frozen avocados last?
Frozen avocados can last up to six months in the freezer. However, it’s best to use them within three months for optimal texture and flavor. When thawed, the texture may be slightly different from fresh avocados, but they can still be used in recipes such as smoothies, dips, and spreads.
Can you freeze guacamole?
Guacamole can be frozen for up to six months. Make sure to place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and add a layer of plastic wrap on top to prevent air exposure. Thaw the guacamole in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Can you freeze mashed avocados?
Yes, mashed avocados can be frozen for up to six months. Simply scoop the avocado flesh into a bowl, mash it, and add a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning. Then, place the mashed avocado into an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze.
Final Thought
Freezing avocados is a great way to make them last longer, especially if they’re not going to be eaten right away. However, you need to keep an eye on the texture when you freeze them. If you don’t freeze them properly, they may lose some of their flavor and texture and become mushy.
When stored properly, frozen avocados can last up to one year in the freezer. If you use frozen avocados, you’ll have the convenience of having them on hand whenever you need them. So, go ahead and give it a try. You’ll soon see the benefits of having avocados on hand all the time, without having to run to the store.