Avocados are some of the healthiest
and nutritious foods you can eat.
They’re packed with healthy, beneficial monounsaturated fats that can help lower LDL cholesterol levels in the body. It is also a nutrient-dense food choice, contributing nearly 20 vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients.
There are plenty of recipes that you can create out of avocados. Some of our favorites are spreads like guacamole, avocado dip, and crema.
Unfortunately, even the freshest avocado spread won’t be as delicious for long, especially if you leave it out and unprotected for a few hours.
Below, we’ll show you how to preserve avocado spread to enjoy a fresh and delicious spread for your next meal or snack.
Why Does
Avocado Spread Turn Brown?
It can be frustrating to find your avocado spread has turned brown after some time. Just like bananas, apples, and potatoes, avocados turn brown when exposed to oxygen in the air in a process called oxidation.
This browning isn’t always a sign that the avocado spread has gone bad. Instead, this indicates that the avocado’s tissues reacted with oxygen to form a non-toxic chemical called melanin, which also causes brown pigmentation on the skin and other body parts.
Of course, you may still need to use your best judgment. If you’ve left your avocado spread on the counter for over a week, then browning may be a sign of spoilage.
But if your avocados were perfectly ripe when you made the spread but turned brown after an hour, they’re still safe to eat.
How to Preserve Avocado Spread
Although the browning of the avocado spread’s surface isn’t toxic at all, it can still make your avocado spread taste somewhat bitter and look unappealing. Fortunately, there are ways to preserve your avocado spread so you can keep it looking fresher and tastier for longer.
Below are some avocado spread preservation tips you can follow:
01 Add Lime Juice
Avocado spreads turn brown when it reacts with oxygen under the presence of the enzyme polyphenol oxidase (PPO) present in the pulp. The more enzymes the fruit contains, the faster the browning reaction occurs.
One way to control this browning reaction is to combat the enzyme that causes it by adding acids to your spread. Juice from limes, lemons, and other citruses contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which helps control the action of the enzyme.
You can mix a few teaspoons of lime or lemon juice with guacamole or crema. Not only does this keep your spread looking fresh and green for longer, but it also adds a bit of tang, making it even more delicious.
02 Pour Water
Over the Spread
Since the browning reaction results from a reaction with oxygen, a great way to control the browning is to prevent the reaction from taking place. To do this, we add a barrier over the spread to keep it from interacting with oxygen.
One of the best barriers you can use is water. Place the spread inside a jar and add a half-inch of water over the spread. Then, place cling wrap over the container before sealing with the lid. This keeps air from penetrating the spread, preserving the color of your spread for a more extended period of time.
But before using the spread for your next snack or meal, don’t forget to pour out the water first. The water won’t penetrate or mix with the spread, so it won’t alter the flavor in any way.
03 Store in an
Airtight Container
Another way to control exposure to air is to store your spread inside an airtight container before placing it inside the fridge. Unfortunately, simple cling wrap or aluminum foil won’t be enough.
Instead, use a rubber-sealed lid container to effectively keep air out of the container. This method also locks out additional moisture, which helps the spread maintain its freshness for longer.
04 Remove Air Bubbles
with a Spoon
As you may already know by now, controlling exposure to air is key to preventing the browning reaction. You can minimize the avocado spread’s exposure to air by removing all the air bubbles from your spread before storage.
Use a metal spoon to flatten the surface and remove all air pockets. Repeat this process until you’re sure that all bubbles have been removed from the spread.
How Long Will Avocado Spread Stay Preserved?
By following these tips, you can effectively preserve your avocado spread inside your fridge for up to 3 to 5 days. If you leave it any longer than that, you’re risking spoilage, so make sure you use it all up before then
