How to Store Avocados Properly
Storing avocados the right way helps keep them fresh, delicious, and ready to enjoy. Whether you have ripe avocados or ones that need a little more time to ripen, knowing how to store them properly can make a big difference.
Start by understanding the ripeness of your avocados. If they’re hard and unripe, you’ll want to give them time to soften. If they’re already ripe, it’s best to store them carefully to prevent over-ripening or spoilage.
Storing Unripe Avocados
If your avocados are firm and not yet ripe, keep them at room temperature. Place them in a bowl, away from direct sunlight, and let them ripen naturally. This usually takes a few days. To speed up the ripening process, you can put the avocados in a paper bag with a banana or apple, which releases natural gases that help them ripen faster.
Storing Ripe Avocados
Once your avocados reach your desired level of ripeness, it’s time to store them in the fridge. Wrap each avocado tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps prevent the flesh from browning and slows down the ripening process. Place the wrapped avocados in the crisper drawer or a produce bin.
If you’ve already cut into an avocado but don’t plan to use the whole fruit, cover the exposed flesh tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Adding a little lemon or lime juice over the cut surface can help prevent browning, thanks to the acidity that slows enzymatic browning.
Best Storage Locations and Tips
- Keep unripe avocados on the countertop until they soften.
- Store ripe avocados in the refrigerator to extend freshness for up to 3–5 days.
- Avoid leaving cut avocados exposed to air; always cover or store in an airtight container.
- If you notice darkening or browning, it’s usually just surface discoloration, especially if the flesh still feels firm. You can scrape off the top layer and enjoy the rest.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Never store unripe avocados in the fridge. Cold temperatures slow down ripening and can affect the texture.
- Avoid leaving cut avocados out at room temperature — they can brown quickly and spoil.
- Don’t peel or cut avocados until you’re ready to use them. The exposed flesh browns faster when left uncovered.
With these simple tips, you can keep your avocados fresh longer and enjoy them at their best. Whether ripening on the counter or chilling in the fridge, storing avocados properly ensures you’ll have this tasty fruit ready whenever you need it.