Quick Answer: Can You Freeze Avocados?
Yes, you can freeze avocados, and they can last in the freezer for 3 to 6 months. You can freeze them as a whole, cut them in halves, sliced, diced, or mashed, depending on how you plan to use them later on. The key is to store them in air-tight freezer-safe containers or Ziploc bags.
If you are looking to prolong the shelf-life of avocados by freezing them, then this comprehensive guide has got you covered.
I have found these methods and tips to work like a charm. Let’s get started with the first method.
How to Freeze Avocados?
If you are in a hurry and don't know how
you plan to use the avocado, later on, you can go ahead and freeze them as a
whole.
Materials
- Avocado
- Cling Wrap
Tools
- Ziploc Bag
Instructions
Wrap the Avocado: Using come cling wrap, cover the avocado thoroughly, making sure that no part of it is exposed.
You could also cut the avocados in half before wrapping them in cling wrap if you think you would not likely consume a whole avocado in one go.
Pack and Seal: Pack the wrapped avocados into a Ziploc bag and seal it after squeezing out all the excess air. Label and Freeze: Add a label to the bag, and you are good to go for 3 to 6 months.
Here is a tutorial by “Favorite Family Recipes” on YouTube -
Freezing Avocados after Flash Freezing
Time Taken: 5 – 10 minutes
What you will need:
- Avocado
- Lemon Juice
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Ziploc Bag
If you want to freeze halves, slices, or dices of avocados, this is a great way to go about it.
Cut and Treat
Cut the avocado into halves, slices, or cubes and then pour some lemon juice over it; the lemon juice helps stop the browning.
Spread Out
Lay the cut avocado onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to spread it out evenly and not clump it together.
Flash Freeze
Leave the tray with avocados in the freezer and let it set sloid over a couple of hours.
Pack and Seal
Pack the avocados into a Ziploc bag and seal it after squeezing out all the excess air.
Label and Freeze
Add a label with the best before date, and you can freeze the avocados till you need it next. Here is a cool video by “OBYMARTHA” on YouTube to see how it’s done –
Freezing Mashed Avocados
Time Taken: 5 – 10 minutes
What you will need:
- Avocados
- Lemon Juice
- Ziploc Bag or Freezer-Safe Air-Tight Containers
- Parchment Paper (Optional)
Whether you are running out of freezer space or you like to use the avocados for guacamole, freezing mashed avocados is your best bet.
Mash and Treat
Add the avocados into a bowl and mash them together with a fork. Then spritz some lemon juice into the bowl to stop the browning, and mix them.
Portion and Pack
Spoon in single-serving portions of avocados into a Ziploc bag and seal them. Make sure to squeeze out all the extra air. You should have a sheet of mashed avocados in the end.
If you are using a freezer-safe air-tight container, you can add a film of parchment paper on the mashed avocado to make sure that it is air-tight. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container.
Label and Freeze
Add a label with the best before date, and you are good to go. Check out this video by “Live Well, Jess” on YouTube to see how it’s done –
Freezing Avocados in Muffin Trays
Time Taken: 5 – 10 minutes
What you will need:
- Avocados
- Lemon Juice
- Muffin Tray and Paper Liners
- Ziploc Bags
If you want to freeze ready-to-use portions of mashed avocado, you can try this method as well.
Mash and Treat
Put the avocados in a bowl and mash them together with a fork. Add some lemon juice to the mix to stop it from browning.
Fill the Tray
After putting the paper-liners in the muffin tray, spoon in the mashed avocados into the slots.
Flash Freeze
Leave the muffin tray in the freezer for a couple of hours or overnight and let it freeze solid.
Pack and Seal
Transfer the frozen avocados into a Ziploc bag and seal them. Make sure to squeeze out all the extra air before sealing them in.
Label and Freeze
After adding a label with the best before date, you can freeze the avocados. Here is an easy tutorial by “The Bealles” on YouTube –
How Long Can You Freeze Avocados?
You can freeze avocados for 3 to 6 months. If you add some lemon juice to the avocados before freezing them, you can stop t from going brown.
But keep in mind that there will be a change in texture and flavor of the avocado . Frozen avocado is best used in cooking or dips or guacamole recipes where other elements can mask the change in texture and taste.
How to Store Frozen Avocados?
The best way to store frozen avocados is in Ziploc bags. You could also use freezer-safe air-tight containers if you are not too pressed for freezer space.
If you are freezing avocados as a whole, Ziploc bags are the best option. In the case of a cut or mashed avocado, you could use either of the two options.
But if you want to save freezer space, using Ziploc bags and laying them down flat on top of each other is the best option.
How to Defrost Avocados?
You can defrost avocado by leaving it in the fridge or the kitchen countertop for a couple of hours. Once it thaws, it is best to use it right away and with seasoning.
Keep in mind that once defrosted the avocados can be mushy and have changes in their taste and texture. So, it is best used in dips or smoothies or with some seasoning.
But even so, it is perfectly safe to consume it without added seasoning or as a spread.
Can You Refreeze Avocados?
No, it is strongly recommended not to refreeze avocados. The avocado is a delicate fruit, and it changes a lot in texture and taste once it thaws. Repeated freezing will only worsen this condition and make it less appealing.
If you wish to avoid wasting the avocado once it thaws, it is best to portion them beforehand into easy-to-manage quantities and thaw only a limited amount at a time.
Does Avocado Freeze Well?
Though you can freeze an avocado, it does not fare extremely well in the freezer. While it helps to prolong the shelf life of the avocados, it is better to eat them fresh than after they are frozen and thawed.
Once they thaw, the avocados can get mushy and have changes in their flavor. So, they are best used in smoothies or dips, where other elements can hide these changes.
It is best not to freeze an avocado as a whole because you won’t be able to stop it from browning, which can be unappealing once it thaws.
FAQs
Although you can freeze unripe avocados it is best not to. Because once frozen the avocados can’t ripen further, and they won’t work as well in any recipe. So, it is best to freeze avocados that are just ripe. You can ripen avocados by leaving them in a paper bag for a few days.
Yes, you can freeze avocados for baby food. Mash or puree them and then freeze them using any of the methods mentioned above. If you skip the lemon juice treatment step, there might be slight browning of the avocados, but it is perfectly safe to eat.
Bottom Line
I hope this article helped you freeze and store all different forms of avocados. If you have any doubts or would like to share some tips and tricks of your own, it would be great to hear from you.
Feel free to share this article with all your avocado-loving family and friends.