4. Avocados
Yes, you can put avocados in the fridge, but the timing and the ripeness of the fruit play a crucial role in determining the best approach. If you have unripe avocados that are still firm, it is recommended to keep them at room temperature until they are fully ripe. Placing unripe avocados in the fridge will slow down the ripening process, making it take longer for them to soften and become ready to eat.
Ripe Avocados: Once an avocado is fully ripe and you want to delay consuming it for a day or two, refrigeration can help prolong its freshness. To store a ripe avocado in the fridge, wrap it loosely in a paper towel or place it in a paper bag to absorb excess moisture. This will help prevent the avocado from over-ripening too quickly. Putting the avocado in the fridge can extend its shelf life for a few extra days.
Cut Avocados: If you have cut open an avocado but don’t plan to use the entire fruit, refrigeration is advisable to prevent it from spoiling. Brush lemon juice or olive oil on the exposed flesh to help slow down the oxidation process, which causes browning. Then, tightly wrap the cut avocado in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep in mind that even with these precautions, the cut avocado may still brown slightly in the fridge. To minimize browning, it is recommended to use it as soon as possible.
Overripe Avocados: If you have an overripe avocado that you can’t consume immediately, you can mash it up and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This mashed avocado can be used in recipes like guacamole or as a spread. Be sure to use it within a day or two to prevent further spoilage.