Avocado “Hacks”

Just got this in a newsletter from Robin Openshaw, aka Green Smoothie Girl. Wasn’t aware of the placing avocados in water idea going around, but have heard of and used some of the other things she mentions. Liked the info about the nub and the tip about buying longer avocados. Had never thought about the shape being something to consider or that there were actual avocado saver devices available. 🙂

This is really important to me. Because avocados are my favorite food. There’s this meme-story going around saying that if you put avocados in water they keep for “freaking-ever.” Have you seen it?

People are saying that when they submerge whole, ripe avocados in water in the fridge they’re lasting FOR WEEKS ……meanwhile, that beautiful avocado you left alone for 2 seconds while you went to the bathroom is suddenly mushy and brown — what!? As I’m sure you know all too well, avocados are perpetually difficult. One day they’re too green, and two days later, they’re overripe. So, who doesn’t want this method to work?

Well, it turns out, it might NOT be as wonderful as it seems …FDA scientists showed that Listeria monocytogenes have the potential to infiltrate and get inside the pulp of avocados when submerged in water in the fridge within 15 days. So, even cleaning the avocado surface wouldn’t solve the problem.So, since you don’t want to risk getting food poisoning, what should you do when you buy a bag of avocados and suddenly they’re all perfectly ripe at the same time?

Simply putting ripe avocados in the fridge (NOT in water) works to extend them for a few days. Like you’ve probably always done. I have.

You can also freeze ripe avocados after slicing them, and put them in a bag or jar. Add them to your green smoothies, because their texture will be different. I’m not sure if they’ll work for guacamole that way, I need to try this.

You can also slice them, sprinkle with a bit of lemon or lime, and put them in a bag with the air squeezed out as much as possible. (This will slow down the action of polyphenol oxidase, the enzyme that causes avocado to turn brown.)

If you have half an avocado, leave the pit in and squeeze some lemon or lime juice on it then put it in an air-tight container.

You can also try placing an avocado half with the pit into a container and add a piece of onion. (The onion helps prevent oxidation, so the avocado doesn’t brown.)

And, they make “avocado savers” that are created just for saving avocados, which you can find on Amazon, and probably other places, too. I don’t have one, so I can’t speak to how they work–but again, they’re preventing oxidation.

Hopefully that helps you.

And, here are some avocado hacks that DO work:

How to know if an avocado is ripe? Pop off the little stem/nub at the top, and check its color. If it’s bright green, it’s good. If it’s yellow, place the numb back and let it ripen for a day or two. If it’s brown, it’s probably too ripe.

Choose longer avocados, because they have smaller pits, so you get more avocado.

You can ripen avocados more quickly by placing them in a paper bag along with a banana (an apple works, too). (The natural gasses released by the banana will speed up the process.)Yes, avocados are super nutritious. And rich in nutrients that many Americans are lacking in, like potassium.

I don’t worry whatsoever, despite coming of age in the “low-fat” 80’s, about “too much fat” in an avocado. It’s the kind of fats that keep you and your cells and your skin and your mind young and healthy. Eating avocados is good for your immune system, and anti-inflammatory. They’re also good for the gut. And they’re good for your cardiovascular system.

Of course, they’re yummy in many ways. You might like them in a green smoothie. I don’t put them in my smoothie because they’re so delicious, I don’t want them lost in my blended-up greens and superfoods and a little fruit.

My favorite thing to do with an avocado is to mash it up, add a little lemon juice and pepper, and salsa, and eat it with some healthy chips. What’s your favorite way?
~ Robyn Openshaw

Here’s to a healthier you in 2022!

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Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained healthcare practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.