Can You Freeze Avocado?
Extend the life of perfectly ripe avocados easily and effectively.
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By Regan Cafiso for Food Network Kitchen
A perfectly ripe avocado is a thing of beauty, but its freshness is fleeting. Often it seems like you wait eons for that hard, funny-looking fruit to reach that idyllic firm-but-yielding state of ripeness, only to miss the window and have it yield dark, stringy mush when you finally use it. But here is a secret: You can freeze avocado and preserve that ideal ripe state. You know what this means? The next time those ripe avocados are on sale, you can buy extra and freeze some. Read on for tips and caveats.
The Best Way to Freeze Avocados: Mashing the Avocado
The most successful way to freeze avocado is to mash it first with some lemon juice. Start with perfectly fresh, pitted avocados. Scoop the insides into a mixing bowl and top with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mash to a uniform consistency with a fork or potato masher. Scoop the mashed fruit into a resealable freezer bag and press into an even layer. Squeeze out as much air as possible, then seal and freeze for up to 1 month.
How to Thaw Frozen Avocado Puree
To thaw frozen avocado puree, transfer the bag to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
Can You Freeze Whole Avocados?
If you don't fancy pre-mashing avocados and mixing them with lime juice, you can freeze whole avocados. Bear in mind that the flavor, texture and color of the avocado will change in the freezer. The avocado will turn slightly grey-brown and become mushier. All this to say, you won't want to slice frozen, thawed avocados onto salads or toast - but there are some other good uses - read more about them down below.
How to Freeze a Whole Avocado with the Skin On
Freezing whole avocados is simple. Simply put them in the freezer whole - they'll last for up to three months there.
How to Thaw a Whole Frozen Avocado
Rinse the whole frozen avocado under cool water; dry it off. Let it sit on the counter to thaw (about 30 minutes). Peel the avocado, remove the pit and enjoy!
How to Use Frozen, Thawed Avocado
As we've already discussed, frozen, thawed avocado isn't the most beautiful and its flavor changes. That's why you don't want to go slicing it up and using it in dishes where it needs to stand on its own. However, it's totally okay to use in other ways where the taste will be slightly masked by other strong flavors going on in a dish.
Use Frozen Avocado In Sandwiches
You wouldn't want to turn frozen avocado into avocado toast - there, avocado needs to be the star of the show. But you might want to spread it into a sandwich that has lots of other ingredients. It will evoke "avocado," but its flavor will be slightly masked by the bread, lettuce and deli meat (or whatever is on the sandwich).
Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Avocados and fried eggs are the perfect complements to this open-face spin on a classic.
David Malosh
This smoky ancho chile sauce takes time (note: you toast the chiles) but it’s seriously worth the extra effort. Shrimp is then marinated in the flavorful sauce, then seared and piled on top of fried tortillas and mashed avocado.
Use Frozen Avocado In Smoothies
A fantastic way to use frozen, thawed avocado is to blend it up into any sort of smoothie. It'll bring its creamy texture and nutritious boost to the beverage. You can even freeze your mashed avocado puree in ice cube trays, and throw whole frozen avocado cubes directly into smoothies.
Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
The riper the avocado, the sweeter the shake, so you'll want to adjust the sweetness to taste. If you have matcha (green tea powder) on hand, add some for a boost of antioxidants, nutrients and fiber.
Use Frozen Avocado In Dressings and Sauces
Much like using it in smoothies, using it in dressings and sauces is smart because you gain the creaminess and nutrition of avocado but the taste is slightly masked thanks to all the other strong flavors going on.
Armando Rafael
Fresh herbs, mayo, lime, scallion and, of course, avocado, come together in this light but creamy dressing.
Use Frozen Avocado In Desserts
Some desserts mask the flavor of avocado but lean on it for creamy texture. A perfect use for frozen avocado.
Stephen Johnson, 2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Avocado replaces the butter or oil typically used in banana bread and makes this dessert extra moist.
Teri Lyn Fisher
Enjoy the decadence of rich dark chocolate pudding with this dairy-free delight. Creamy avocado and silky coconut make for a scrumptious custardy treat with deep chocolate flavor.
Can You Freeze Guacamole?
If you took the time to mash avocados for freezing, you might think it's a good idea to take it all the way and make guacamole, then just freeze that. Not so fast! While the avocado flesh itself holds up well to freezing, the onions, tomatoes and herbs in guacamole get loose and watery when thawed. Therefore, we do not recommend freezing guacamole. It's better to just mix thawed avocado mash with freshly chopped aromatics for your guac.
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