The Best Way to Keep Your Guacamole Fresh All Day, According to a Chipotle Employee (2024)

So you can enjoy your favorite dip without the oxidation.

By

Leah Goggins

The Best Way to Keep Your Guacamole Fresh All Day, According to a Chipotle Employee (1)

Leah Goggins is a digital fellow for EatingWell. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, she is a devotee of old movies, farmers' markets and Ina Garten's tomato sandwich with basil mayo recipe. Leah has a degree in news media and English from The University of Alabama.

Published on January 27, 2022

Trending Videos

The Best Way to Keep Your Guacamole Fresh All Day, According to a Chipotle Employee (2)

Pictured recipe: Almost Chipotle's Guacamole

The guacamole at Chipotle may cost extra, but the fresh and creamy topping is so tasty, it's well worth it. That's why we were excited when Chipotle shared its recipe for guacamole in 2020. After all, we'll put a scoop of guac on just about anything, from smothered chicken breasts to loaded sweet potato nachos.

The only tough part is keeping that bright green guacamole from turning brown before you can enjoy it (or finish your leftovers the next day). Because avocados oxidize when they're cut, they'll turn brown after being exposed to the air for a while. Some think a thin layer of olive oil on top of the cut avocado or leaving the pit in the bowl with your dip can stave off the color-changing process, but that won't cut it. Instead, you could top your guacamole with water before sealing the lid on your bowl, or add a lot more lime juice than you normally would—both can help your guacamole look fresher for a longer period of time.

But if you want to take a tip from the true professionals at Chipotle, you'll just need one extra piece of equipment: some trusty cling wrap. A Chipotle employee on TikTok just took to the app to share two videos about how Chipotle makes its guacamole, revealing that at least some stores make all of the day's guacamole in one large batch, then store the reserves in the refrigerator until they need more. (Watching him actually make the enormous bowl of guac is pretty soothing, if you need a mood-booster.)

To keep the leftover guacamole from browning, the employee rips off a sheet of plastic wrap, then presses it all the way down to the surface of the guacamole, knocking out the air that would be in the container if it was just sealed with a lid. They even tuck the plastic wrap around the edges of the dip, keeping any air from touching the surface. Then they seal the whole container with a lid and stick it into the fridge.

We've written about using plastic wrap to extend your guacamole's shelf life before, but using both a lid and plastic wrap for a double seal is a new trick to add to our repertoire. With cargo as precious as our Almost Chipotle's Guacamole, we'll do whatever it takes to keep browning at bay.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!

The Best Way to Keep Your Guacamole Fresh All Day, According to a Chipotle Employee (2024)

FAQs

The Best Way to Keep Your Guacamole Fresh All Day, According to a Chipotle Employee? ›

Top with lime juice and plastic wrap

How to keep Chipotle guacamole fresh? ›

Pour a thin but visible layer of water or lemon/lime juice over the guacamole to form a barrier with the air. Cover the dish with plastic wrap, pushing the wrap, so it is flush with the guacamole to prevent air pockets, or put the guacamole in a sealed tub. Put it in the fridge.

What is the best way to store guacamole? ›

Make your guacamole, then place any uneaten dip in a resealable container. Place a piece of plastic wrap on the surface of the dip, lightly pressing all over to make sure the plastic is directly in contact with the entire surface of the dip. Store the guacamole in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Does Chipotle make fresh guacamole every day? ›

fresh, real ingredients 🥑

How does Chipotle keep their guacamole green? ›

Each panned guac gets sealed airtight with Saran Wrap,” he said. “Then it gets lidded, labeled and stored for later use. This process ensures freshness and prevents browning,” he continued.

How do you make guacamole stay good? ›

Use a spoon to flatten the surface of the dip and remove any air bubbles. Add about a half-inch of water to the top of the guacamole. Make sure the water covers the whole surface of the batch. Put the lid or covering on the container, and store in the fridge for two to three days.

How long can you keep Chipotle guacamole? ›

How long does Chipotle guacamole last in the fridge? With the proper protection, homemade Chipotle guac should stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. A little bit of browning is safe to eat, but I would recommend making a new batch if the entire container has turned.

How do restaurants keep guacamole fresh? ›

To keep the leftover guacamole from browning, the employee rips off a sheet of plastic wrap, then presses it all the way down to the surface of the guacamole, knocking out the air that would be in the container if it was just sealed with a lid.

Does Chipotle really make their own guacamole? ›

The recipe is simple and basic, which is probably why so many find it irresistible. Unlike fake versions which have included add-ins like garlic or tomatoes, Chipotle's guac uses just six ingredients: avocados, lime juice, cilantro, red onion, jalapeño and kosher salt.

How long does guacamole last once made? ›

From the second you crack open that avocado, it's a race against the clock before it goes brown. But with the right prep, you can make guacamole last in the fridge for three to four days. Planning on storing guacamole in the freezer? It should last for three to four months.

What keeps guacamole green? ›

The fool-proof method to keep guacamole green, even when it's made well in advance, is to simply cover it with plastic wrap. Sound simple? It is, but there's a trick to it. The key is simple: you need to press the plastic wrap directly and completely against the surface of the guacamole.

Why does Chipotle guacamole turn brown so fast? ›

"The flesh of the avocado oxidizes quickly — much like a cut apple — which changes the color. The addition of citric acid, like from lime juice in your guac can help delay this process but will not completely prevent it," she says.

Why is guacamole temporarily unavailable Chipotle? ›

If weather-related conditions make certain ingredients more expensive or harder to source, Chipotle said it “may choose to temporarily suspend serving menu items, such as guacamole or one or more of our salsas.” Why is guacamole extra at Chipotle? It is extra for the same reason that extra meat is extra.

How do you increase the shelf life of guacamole? ›

To prevent your guacamole from turning brown, use water! Yes, a small amount of water is a great way to help guacamole maintain its vibrant green color and stay fresh. Here's how to do it: Put the guacamole in an airtight container that has a tight-fitting lid.

How do you keep guacamole from turning green? ›

Drizzle a 1/2-inch deep layer of water onto the smooth surface, cover with plastic, pressing it gently, but directly onto the surface. The next day, pour it off and stir just before serving. The verdict: This is the most effective and least expensive way to preserve color and maintain flavor.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kareem Mueller DO

Last Updated:

Views: 6616

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kareem Mueller DO

Birthday: 1997-01-04

Address: Apt. 156 12935 Runolfsdottir Mission, Greenfort, MN 74384-6749

Phone: +16704982844747

Job: Corporate Administration Planner

Hobby: Mountain biking, Jewelry making, Stone skipping, Lacemaking, Knife making, Scrapbooking, Letterboxing

Introduction: My name is Kareem Mueller DO, I am a vivacious, super, thoughtful, excited, handsome, beautiful, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.