Avocado tips: Ripen faster, store smarter, enjoy longer
Avocados contain an abundance of valuable nutrients, including essential omega-3 fatty acids. Many appreciate this fruit's creamy texture and unique, nutty taste. However, an ill-judged purchase can mean you won't be able to enjoy your ideal avocado toast immediately after returning from the shop. Often, it turns out the fruit is not properly ripe. You can, however, speed up this process.
31 October 2024 17:39
An indispensable ingredient in guacamole, avocado can be particularly tricky to handle. While it can taste delicious, when unripe, it is hard and bitter, and when overripe, it loses its appeal. Once cut, the avocado flesh oxidises quickly and changes from a beautiful green to an unappealing brown hue. If you enjoy avocado, these simple tips will save your breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
How to store avocado?
It all depends on the fruit's ripeness. It's best to place a hard avocado in a paper bag and keep it in a dark place at room temperature. The fruit should ripen within about five days.
Conversely, soft avocados should be wrapped in cling film to cut off the oxygen supply and put in the fridge. It's worth checking in the shop for any brown spots on the skin, as these might indicate the onset of rotting.
How to make an avocado ripen faster?
Do you crave guacamole, but your avocado is hard as a rock? There's a method to soften the fruit in just 24 hours. Amazingly, you only need to place the avocado in a bag or container with flour. Seal the fruit in the flour for one day in the cupboard, and the avocado will be ready to use the next day.
Among many culinary tips, you may also find a method that involves placing the avocado in the oven. We do not recommend this method, as it changes the fibre structure. You can blend such fruit with other ingredients, but it won't work well as a standalone sandwich ingredient or as part of a nutritious salad.
Method for cut avocado
Few people use a whole avocado in one meal. Usually, the other half ends up in the fridge, where it turns brown and, unfortunately, loses its taste. How can you prevent this? There are two proven methods.
- The first is lemon juice. Rub it on the avocado, wrap it in cling film, and place it on the lowest shelf in the fridge.
- The second involves using olive oil, which protects the cut surface.
Additionally, if you want to extend the shelf life of a cut avocado, do not remove the stone. It creates a natural protective barrier.
