How to keep half an avocado fresh?

There are situations when you don’t need a whole fruit, you use half, and you want to save the other part for future use. There are some tips that I use in cooking to keep a cut avocado fresh for some days.

Why does avocado get brown?

Avocado turns brown due to a natural process called oxidation. When an avocado is cut or bruised, the enzymes in the fruit react with oxygen in the air, which causes the flesh to turn brown. Compounds in the flesh are reacting with oxygen, with the help of enzymes, to produce brown pigments called melanin. This process is similar to what happens when an apple or banana is cut and exposed to air. The browning of an avocado is not harmful and does not affect its nutritional value or taste, but it can make the fruit less visually appealing. To prevent browning, it is recommended to store cut avocados with airtight wrapping, add an acidic substance such as lemon juice to slow down oxidation, or use the avocado immediately after cutting it. Compounds in the flesh are reacting with oxygen, with the help of enzymes, to produce brown pigments called melanin

How to save half an avocado:

If you cut your avocado in half and want to save the other part for future use, put the pit back in the avocado half to slow down the oxidation process;

After you cut the avocado, pour some lemon or lime juice over it. The acidity in the lemon or lime juice will slow the oxidation process.
Once cut, press plastic wrap or directly onto the surface of the avocado to prevent exposure to air. Do it as tightly as possible and ensure the air is not getting in but don’t mash the avocado edges. If you don’t do this, even refrigerated avocado will be turned brown.

How to store open avocado?

Keep cut avocado in the refrigerator, cold temperatures can slow the browning process;
Store cut avocado with other food. Avocado browns faster when it is exposed to oxygen. So, store it with other foods that produce ethylene gas (like apples, bananas, or tomatoes) which can slow down the browning process.

Using these easy techniques, you can keep your avocado fresh and green after cutting for a few extra days.

If you like avocado, check my recipes with this fabulous fruit: