How Long Do Avocados Last?

How long do Avocados last?

Last Updated on December 15, 2022 by Kayla

Avocados are chock-full of healthy fats, fiber, and over 20 different vitamins and minerals. Avocados make a healthy addition to any meal or snack. But how long do avocados last and how do you store leftover avocado?!

I carefully select a variety of green and dark avocados, yet they always seem to ripen at the same time! You will know when an avocado is ripe and ready to eat when the skin is dark, and it’s just soft to the touch. If it’s too soft and your fingerprint says indented, chances are it’s past its prime.

How to store an avocado

Place avocados on the counter until ripened. You’ll know they’re perfect when they are dark and just soft to the touch – but not squishy.

Once ripened, transfer the whole avocado(s) to the refrigerator. For best results, keep in a crisper drawer where they won’t get bumped or bruised.

How to store half an avocado

Once an avocado is cut, the flesh starts to oxidize. This reaction is intensified with exposure to oxygen, so the ultimate goal is to limit how much air makes contact with the cut-side of the avocado. You can minimize browning by leaving the seed in the unused avocado half and wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Be sure to gently press the plastic wrap to the avocado flesh for best results.

You can also reduce oxidation (i.e. browning) by using a light coating of lemon or lime juice on the cut avocado half.

How to Store Avocado Half Infographic
How to store avocado infographic

How long to avocados last in the fridge

Whole avocados will last in the fridge for 7-10 days. Avocado halves, on the other hand, will only last 1-2 days, so be sure to cut them as needed.

How to ripen avocados faster

If you are feeling rather impatient, there is a way to spread up avocado ripening. Avocados are climacteric fruits which means they continue to ripen once they have been harvested. Ethylene gas is given off by fruits and helps the ripening process along.

If you place an avocado in a paper bag and fold the top for a tight seal, this can speed ripening. Place in the sunlight or warm spot on your countertop to quicken avocado ripening even more. To see the fastest return, place an apple or balance in the paper bag along with the avocado. Apples and bananas are ethylene-rich and help speed the ripening process.

You can read more about the ripening process here.

Yours truly,

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