If you’re an avocado lover, you’ll know that the hundreds of memes and jokes about how a fresh avocado can turn from under-ripe to ruined in the blink of an eye are sadly quite accurate. And, as someone who tries to reduce food waste but also loves avocado toast and often buys them in bulk, I thought it was time I learned how to freeze avocados!
Can you freeze avocados?
Yes, it’s possible to freeze avocados, but some pros and cons may help you decide whether it’s the right avocado preservation method for you.
Pros of freezing avocados
Unsurprisingly, the biggest pro of freezing avocados is that you can extend their shelf life and reduce food waste. Plus, it’s convenient, especially if you can stock up while they’re on sale, and there are several ways you can freeze them. Best of all, they retain the majority of their nutrients when frozen and most of their flavor.
Cons of freezing avocados
The simple fact is that freezing avocados, due to their high water content, DOES affect their creamy texture, color, and (a bit of the) flavor. While some people don’t mind it, others prefer it to be hidden in dishes. So, while it’s still definitely usable, there are some limitations. For example, if you usually use avocados to slice and dice as a presentation, then freezing avocados possibly isn’t the method for you. However, if you want to use frozen avocado in smoothies, dips, or dressings, keep reading. Of course, it all comes down to preference, so I highly recommend still trying it.
Top tips for freezing and thawing avocado
Use ripe avocado: It should have some give when squeezed but not be overly hard or soft. You can also test for ripeness with the stem. If it doesn’t come off, the avocado is likely under-ripe. If it comes off easily and is green or only lightly browning underneath, your avocado is ripe. If it’s completely brown, it’s likely overripe. Use lemon or lime juice: If you’re freezing anything other than whole avocados, coat them in citrus juice to preserve the color and slow oxidization. Remove excess air: Another important tip to reduce oxidization is to ensure you squeeze out (or suck out with a straw) as much air as possible from the freezer-safe bags, then seal it tightly.
How to freeze avocados
You can freeze avocado in several ways based on your desired usage and energy levels.
Freezing whole avocados
Freezing whole avocados is one of my all-time favorite methods when I notice they’re getting a little soft, but I’m not yet ready for them. There’s no prep, and the peel will keep them from oxidizing, so it’s a win-win. Simply rinse and dry the avocados thoroughly, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or beeswax wrap. Optionally, also place them within a larger Ziplock bag.
Freezing avocado halves or quarters
Halved or quartered avocados are a great way to portion it into your typical serving size.
Hold the avocado in the palm of your non-dominant hand. Then, use a sharp paring knife to cut it in half lengthwise, allowing it to reach the pit in the middle, then rotate the avocado to slice around it. Then, pull the avocado apart and remove the pit by firmly (but carefully) tapping into it with your knife and pulling it away. You can then easily slice avocados in half to create quarters and remove the peel. Dip, brush, or rub the chopped avocado immediately with lemon or lime juice and wrap them in plastic wrap to place in a freezer bag.
Freezing avocado chunks and slices
Similar to the above, freezing chunks or slices allows you to defrost only as much avocado as you need. It also freezes and defrosts faster, and if you don’t mind the thawed consistency, you can pop them straight into tacos, sandwiches, wraps, etc.
After opening it and removing the pit, you can dice or slice the avocado flesh within the peel first (be careful not to push the knife through the peel) OR remove the peel and slice/dice it against a chopping board. Then, coat the pieces in lime/lemon juice and spread them across a baking sheet to flash freeze until solid (cover with plastic wrap while freezing) for about an hour. Finally, transfer the frozen avocado chunks to a freezer bag and squeeze out any excess air.
Freezing mashed avocado
Peel, chop, and mash the avocado with a sturdy fork or mini food processor. Add some lemon or lime juice to the mash and mix it well. Transfer the mash/avocado puree to freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays and optionally (highly recommended) top with a thin layer of water, lemon juice, or oil.
When you thaw the mashed avocado, pour off the top layer, re-mix, and enjoy.
How long can you freeze avocados for?
Whole avocados: As these have natural protection from the peel, you can freeze whole avocados for up to 4 months. Chopped or mashed: Even with lemon or lime juice, chopped or mashed avocado is best frozen for 2-3 months.
How to thaw frozen avocado?
The quick method: Place the avocados (whole or chopped and in bags) in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes. The longer method: I don’t often use this method, but it is possible to leave it to thaw on the kitchen counter for about 1 hour (or more, depending on size). The longest method: Leave the avocado to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then pour off any excess liquid before using.
Use the avocado on the same day as thawing it.
The best avocado recipes
Avocado Pasta Sauce Avocado Butter Authentic Guacamole Avocado Oil
If you try any of these methods, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
