Updated: Jan. 23, 2024
Make party-ready guacamole days in advance—or keep leftovers fresh for later. Here's how to keep guacamole from turning brown.
If you want to make guacamole in advance but don’t want it to look like a science experiment once it hits the buffet table, I can relate. Unfortunately, when exposed to air for too long, polyphenol oxidase (read: the stuff found in an avocado’s chemical makeup) causes guacamole to become mushy and brown. No thanks!
There’s always the option to pick up one of our Test Kitchen’s picks of best guacamole brands at the store, but if your heart’s set on homemade guacamole, then grab a couple ripe avocados and read on.
Bonus: If you’re interested in knowing how to keep your guacamole looking and tasting fresh for up to a week, we’ve got the perfect kitchen gadget for you—the Guac Lock.
How to Keep Guacamole from Turning Brown
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What’s the secret? Cover the guacamole with 1/2-inch of water. It might sound strange, but the extra layer shields the dip from oxygen and thwarts browning. For best results, follow these steps:
1. Place guacamole in a sealed container
It’s critical that the guacamole be stored in an airtight container—like these glass storage containers—rather than, say, a bowl covered with foil. Using an airtight container keeps the amount of oxygen coming into contact with the guacamole to a minimum. It also locks out moisture and humidity, which maintains food’s freshness.
2. Use a spoon to smooth out surface
With a metal spoon, flatten the surface, taking care to remove all air pockets. If you haven’t already caught on, air is an avocado’s enemy. By reducing the chances of the guacamole coming into contact with air, you reduce the chances of discoloration.
3. Pour water over the guacamole
Fill a measuring cup with water that’s cool or room temperature. Gently pour about a half inch of liquid over the top of the dip. Make sure water covers the surface completely—all the way to the container’s edge.
Editor’s Tip: You may have heard a squirt of lemon or lime juice also keeps guacamole from browning. It’s true—as long as you cover the entire surface of the dip with citrus juice.
4. Store guacamole in fridge
Refrigerate the container of guacamole, covered tightly, for up to two days.
To serve, carefully pour off the water and stir the guacamole. Now it’s time to pull out the best tortilla chips and get dippin’!
FAQs About Storing Guacamole
Why does guacamole turn brown?
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The enzyme polyphenol oxidase reacts with oxygen and discolors the avocado. It’s the same chemical process that causes other produce like potatoes or apples to turn brown. Since oxidation turns avocados brown it also impacts a bowl of guacamole.
Is it OK to eat guacamole when it turns brown?
Yes. It’s safe to eat! Well, it’s safe as long as the guac has been stored in the fridge for not longer than two or three days. It may not look as appetizing as a fresh bowl of guac but like a brown avocado, brown guacamole can be safely eaten.
FAQs
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.
Why does lemon juice prevent guacamole from turning brown? ›
Acidulants, such as citric and ascorbic acid found in lemon juice, help lower the pH of avocados and decrease the enzymatic activity, keeping them from turning brown ( 1 , 3 ). Therefore, squeezing a little lemon juice on top of your cut avocado before storing it could help delay browning.
How do restaurants keep avocados from turning brown? ›
The main goal is to prevent oxygen from touching the avocado's flesh. Plastic wrap is a practical, albeit not foolproof way to slow down the natural course of fruit aging. The trick is to make sure the plastic wrap is sealed flush with the flesh.
How do Mexican restaurants keep guacamole from turning brown? ›
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.
How does Chipotle keep their guacamole so 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.
Why does chipotle guacamole not turn brown? ›
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.
How to stop avocado going brown without lemon? ›
Olive Oil. Another option is to brush the avocado flesh with olive oil, says Weintraub. This creates "an oily barrier between the fruit and air, thus preventing browning," she explains.
Can you put too much lemon juice in guacamole? ›
Typically the recipe is 3 to 4 avocados, 1 to 2 tomatoes, 1/2 onion, 1 to 2 hot peppers, 3 to 4 tablespoons chopped cilantro, 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice, 1 garlic clove (optional), and salt and pepper to taste. Adding too much lemon or lime juice can cause a very watery guacamole.
Does putting the pit in guacamole keep it fresh? ›
Some people swear by this one, so we had to put it to the test. The verdict: Contrary to popular belief, adding the avocado pit to guacamole does not prevent oxidation. In fact, if it sticks out above the surface, it creates air pockets that prevent the plastic wrap from adhering tightly enough.
Does olive oil prevent guacamole from turning brown? ›
Method: Brushing the Surface of the Guacamole with Olive Oil
Smoothing the surface of the guacamole and then brushing olive oil on top is thought to prevent browning.
Although brown guacamole isn't the most appealing, it's completely safe to eat (as long as you've stored the guacamole in the refrigerator, and it isn't more than three days old). "While a bit off-putting to look at, brown guacamole is totally safe," confirms Food Network's nutritionist, Dana Angelo White, MS RD ATC.
What powder keeps guacamole fresh? ›
The avoFresh contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and calcium carbonate. You add the powder mixture to fresh mashed avocado. The avoFresh keeps the avocado fresh and from turning that off-putting brown that avocado pulp gets when exposed to air.
What makes guacamole stay 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.
Can I make guacamole the night before? ›
Cover the guacamole with water or lime juice.
When stored using these tips, you can keep your homemade guacamole looking fresh for up to 72 hours in the fridge.
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