How to Store Avocados (Ripe, Whole, and Cut—I Tested 4 Ways)
Avocados are more than just the star of your morning toast. They are beloved for their creamy texture, delicate flavor, and nutrient-packed punch. However, these prized fruits can come with a steep price, so the last thing you want is to see them spoil too soon. Keeping ripe avocados fresh for as long as possible can be tricky, so we tested a few popular methods to find the best ways to store avocados and keep them fresher for longer.
According to the Purdue Extension, unripe avocados should be kept at room temperature until they’re ready. Once ripened, whole avocados can be stored in the refrigerator to slow further ripening, while cut avocados require extra care to prevent browning by covering the exposed area with acid — like citrus juice — and cling wrap.
Once ripe, avocados’ creamy flesh quickly begins to brown, thanks to an enzyme that reacts with oxygen. This effect is what we’re mostly trying to prevent. Whole avocados fare better in storage, while cut avocados are particularly susceptible to browning, but storing each of them correctly can make all the difference between enjoying that perfect avocado and tossing it in frustration.
The Best Method for Storing Whole Avocados
We tested storing whole ripe avocados in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer with citrus and without citrus for one week. We found that keeping whole, ripe avocados in the crisper drawer alongside citrus fruits like lemons or limes yielded the best results. The ethylene gas released by citrus fruits appeared to slightly delay spoilage, helping the avocados stay fresher longer.
How to store whole avocados:
Place your ripe, whole avocados in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
Add a couple of lemons or limes to the drawer.
Keep the temperature around 40°F.
Check daily to ensure the avocados haven’t become overripe.
The Best Method for Storing Cut Avocados
Sliced avocados are far trickier to store due to their exposure to air, but a combination of acidity, tight wrapping, and refrigeration worked wonders. We tested storing halved, unpeeled avocados (wrapped with plastic cling wrap) in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer. We coated one sample with fresh lemon juice before wrapping it, and left one uncoated. Coating the avocado flesh with citrus juice and wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap significantly slowed down the browning process. If you’re considering soaking cut avocados in water, Cleveland Clinic says don’t, as this can create a breeding ground for bacteria.
How to store cut avocados:
After cutting the avocado, brush the exposed flesh with fresh lemon or lime juice. (If you don’t have citrus juice on hand, a light brush of olive oil can also help create a protective barrier.)
Wrap the avocado tightly in plastic wrap; ensure there are no air pockets.
Place it in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer and use it within one to two days.
What’s the Best Way to Store Unripe Avocados?
Unripe avocados need room-temperature conditions to ripen before refrigeration. To speed up ripening, store them in a paper bag with an apple or banana, which releases ethylene gas that can speed up the process. Once ripe, transfer them to the fridge and use them within a few days.
How to store unripe avocados:
Place unripe avocados on the counter at room temperature, away from sunlight. (To speed up ripening, place them in a paper bag with an apple or banana.)
Check daily for ripeness by doing the following:
Observing skin color: Bright green indicates it’s unripe, while darker purplish hues signal ripeness.
Applying gentle pressure: A ripe avocado will feel slightly soft.
Checking the stem cap: If it removes easily and reveals green underneath, it’s ready.
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