There's a lot to love about avocados. They're creamy, mild, and filled with good-for-you fats. Avocados are also delightfully versatile, earning them a spot in everything from tacos to toast. All that being said, if the luscious green fruit (yes, fruit) is part of your weekly menu, you might end up with leftovers that you want to store in your refrigerator or even freezer—but can you actually freeze avocados? The short answer is yes, but there is a right way to freeze the fruit and use it afterward. Ahead, experts lay out the process for us.
- Ann Ziata, chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education.
- Amanda Izquierdo, M.P.H., R.D., L.D.N., public relations and advertising manager at the Hass Avocado Board
- Traci Weintraub, founder and head chef at Gracefully Fed
What Avocados Can Be Frozen?
Although using fresh avocados will always be best, freezing them certainly has its perks, like less waste and having avocado on hand when you need it. But not all avocados are suitable for freezing. Only ripe avocados should be stored in the freezer because once they are frozen, they won't continue to ripen—even when thawed, says Ann Ziata, chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education.
How to Freeze Avocados
Whole avocados can become mushy after freezing and thawing. For best results, cut the avocado into slices or cubes before freezing says Amanda Izquierdo, M.P.H., R.D., L.D.N., public relations and advertising manager at the Hass Avocado Board.
Freezing Sliced Avocado
Izquierdo explains how to slice and freeze avocado:
- Cut the avocado in half and remove pit by gently working a spoon underneath it.
- Peel off skin, cut avocado flesh into slices or cubes as desired.
- Gently brush slices or cubes with a little lime or lemon juice to help prevent browning.
- Place avocado in a resealable plastic or silicone bag, and push out all air.
- Tightly seal the bag and place it in the freezer.
How long does it last? Frozen sliced avocado will last for up to one month, says Izquierdo.
Removing all the air from the bag before sealing is crucial; any excess air will make your avocado brown more quickly, says Weintraub.
Mashed Avocado
It's also possible to freeze mashed avocado, though avocado in this form tends to brown quicker than its cut counterparts. Still, there are benefits, too. "Pre-mashed avocado tends to blend more easily, so it can be useful to have on hand," says Traci Weintraub, founder and head chef at Gracefully Fed. To freeze mashed avocado, Weintraub suggests:
- Peel, scoop, and mash avocado,
- Mix in a little lime or lemon juice to help prevent browning.
- Scoop mashed avocado into an ice cube tray (with a cover, if possible) and place it in freezer.
- When avocado cubes are frozen, add to a freezer-safe bag, remove any air, and return it to freezer.
How long does it last? Mashed avocado will also keep in the freezer for about a month.
How to Use Frozen Avocado
Avocados that have been frozen and thawed aren't ideal for every dish. Weintraub explains that freezing avocado fundamentally changes its texture, causing it to become softer and somewhat mushy. As a rule of thumb, don't use frozen avocado in dishes where the avocado texture is at the forefront, such as guacamole or salads, she says. Instead, reserve it for dishes where its texture is less important.
Weintraub suggests trying it in smoothies and hummus, where frozen avocado can be easily blended for extra creaminess and healthy fats. Izquierdo recommends adding it to chilled soups. It's great for adding nutrients to baked goods like brownies, which will make the texture less noticeable.
Ideally, use frozen avocado straight from the freezer. Frozen avocado takes about one hour to thaw at room temperature.
