This post may include affiliate links; for details, see our disclosure policy.
Wondering if you can freeze avocados? Here’s what to know about whether this ingredient can hold up for the long term.
Got ripe avocados on hand and not sure what to do with them? This popular ingredient is ideal for making into guacamole or spreading on toast. But if you don’t have time for a big batch of guac, can you throw it into the freezer? Here’s what to know about whether to freeze avocados.
Can you freeze avocados?
Freezing avocados destroys their rich, creamy texture and once defrosted, the texture becomes watery and the flavor becomes diluted. This is because the water in the avocado expands while freezing and changes its structure. While you can easily freeze other fruits like bananas, strawberries, and blueberries, the texture change with avocados is so extreme that freezing it is not recommended.
Avoid freezing avocados if you can help it, especially if you’re planning to eat them sliced or on toast, or in any recipe that relies on their creamy, rich texture. Thawed avocados can work in recipes where they’re broken down like guacamole or smoothies, but it may affect the texture of the end product. Proceed at your own risk.
How long does it last refrigerated?
Want to make avocados last longer? Leave them uncut and place them in the refrigerator! Firm and uncut avocados last up to 2 weeks refrigerated, where they ripen at a slower rate.
Trick for extending the life
A better way to use avocados than freezing them? Make them into Avocado Dip! This dip uses 2 avocados and stays good for 5 days in the refrigerator. Yogurt and lime juice help to preserve the avocado so it stays green and fresh. Only have 1 avocado? Make Avocado Sauce instead; it also lasts 5 days refrigerated.
How to freeze avocados
Still want to freeze avocados? There are two methods for how to do it: avocado halves or mashed avocado. Here’s how to do it:
- To freeze avocado halves: Remove the pit from the avocado and brush each half with lemon juice. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer safe bag.
- To freeze mashed avocado: Remove the avocado from the peel. Mash it in a bowl with a fork and add a little lemon juice to prevent it from browning. Place the mashed avocado in a freezer safe bag. Use a straw to remove excess air and seal the bag.
- Mark the “Use by” date. Use a permanent marker to label the bag with a “use by” date that is 3 months in the future.
- Freeze. Place the avocados in the freezer and freeze for up to 3 months.
How to defrost avocados
When defrosted from frozen, the texture of avocados is watery and the flavor loses its richness. The thawed avocado in our testing looked pretty good, but it tasted like a watered down version of the real thing. For this reason, we recommend not freezing avocados if you can help it. Use thawed avocados only in recipes like guacamole or smoothies, but again: it may affect the texture (especially in guacamole). Here’s how to thaw avocados:
- Place the frozen avocados in the refrigerator 12 to 24 hours to defrost.
- Once thawed, use within 1 day if possible.
Better ways to use avocados
Better ways to use avocados instead of freezing them? Use them in recipes! There are lots of avocado recipes to make the most of this tasty fruit. Try these favorites:
- Easy Avocado Sauce or Amazing Avocado Dip (these stay good for 5 days!)
- Avocado Egg Salad
- Crispy Avocado Tacos
- Avocado Club Sandwich
- Simple Avocado Salad
- Avocado Toast
- Perfect Avocado Smoothie
More freezing methods
Wondering how to freeze more ingredients? Here’s what to know about freezing other types of foods:
- Freeze vegetables like broccoli, spinach, kale, lettuce, onions, carrots, celery, cabbage, green beans, eggplant, zucchini, corn, potatoes, mushrooms, asparagus, cucumber, garlic, avocados, or tomatoes,
- Freeze fruits like grapes, apples, lemons, strawberries, peaches, blueberries or bananas
- Learn how to freeze dairy products, like cheese, milk, heavy cream, sour cream, ricotta, yogurt, Greek yogurt, butter, cream cheese, cottage cheese and mozzarella
- Try freezing rice, guacamole, tortillas, quiche, or hummus
Can You Freeze Avocados?
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: N/A
Description
Wondering if you can freeze avocados? Here’s what to know about whether this ingredient can hold up for the long term.
Ingredients
- Avocados
Instructions
- Determine whether to freeze the avocados. Frozen avocado has a mild flavor and watery texture once it’s defrosted and freezing it is not recommended. Instead, using ripe avocados in Avocado Dip or Avocado Sauce extends the life for 5 days refrigerated. If you’d like you can freeze avocados to use in recipes where they are broken down like guacamole or smoothies, but it still may affect the texture. Proceed at your own risk.
- To freeze avocado halves: Remove the pit from the avocado and brush each half with lemon juice. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer safe bag.
- To freeze mashed avocado: Remove the avocado from the peel. Mash it in a bowl with a fork and add a little lemon juice to prevent it from browning. Place the mashed avocado in a freezer safe bag. Use a straw to remove excess air and seal the bag.
- Use a permanent marker to label the bag with a “use by” date that is 3 months in the future.
- Place the avocados in the freezer and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the frozen avocados in the refrigerator 12 to 24 hours to defrost. Once thawed, use within 1 day if possible.
- Category: Frozen
- Method: Frozen
- Cuisine: Frozen
- Diet: Vegan
Let us know if you have any questions!