Can You Freeze Avocados? Here’s What You Need To Know

Can you freeze avocados? Come in and learn the secrets of how to freeze ripe avocados so they stay perfect to use later on. Discover ways and possibilities with this easy-to-follow step-by-step guide.

Worried about your avocados going to waste? In this guide, you will discover the tricks to freezing ripe avocados, ensuring they remain just as delicious when you’re ready to use them later. 

Avocados In Our Lifestyle

Did you know that an avocado is actually a type of berry? This delicious fruit is also referred to as alligator pear or butter fruit. In a low-carb lifestyle, avocados are like little green treasures when it comes to fruits and veggies. They are not only creamy and tasty but also so versatile to use. 

Avocados are superstars in the world of healthy eating. They have few carbs, which is excellent if you are watching your carb intake. But that’s not all. They are also packed with healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. 

Naturally, they’re linked to many health benefits. Here are a few benefits of eating avocados regularly:

• Promotes Heart Health: Avocados contain nutrients that help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, which is essential to heart health.
• Improves Digestion: Avocados are chock full of fiber which helps prevent constipation and keep the digestive tract in tip-top shape. As a result, you will have a healthier gut and your overall digestion will improve.
• Enhances The Body’s Antioxidant Defenses: This superstar of a fruit is high in antioxidants which help protect the body against oxidative damage. In turn, this lowers the risk of developing chronic diseases.
• Promotes A Healthy Body Weight: Avocados may be high in calories, but their impressive nutrient content balances it out. Eating this fruit gives you the feeling of fullness (thanks to its high fiber and healthy fat content), so you tend to eat less – perfect for those watching their weight.

Benefits Of Freezing Avocados

Freezing avocados offers several advantages, especially to those who want to enjoy this nutritious fruit year-round. Here are a few:

Nutrient Retention

We all know that avocados are rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Freezing the fruit helps preserve these essential nutrients, making sure that you enjoy their health benefits even after storing them for an extended period. Properly freezing avocados help retain their nutrients, making them just as nutritious as fresh ones when used in recipes.

Convenience

Having frozen avocados on hand is convenient. You can eat or use them in your recipes right away without the hassle of peeling, pitting, and mashing on the spot. You also no longer have to worry about the fruit ripening too quickly or being unavailable when you need them.

Reduced Waste

Freezing avocados significantly reduces food waste. When you buy a bunch of avocados, they will ripen all at once and unless you consume all of them quickly, there will likely be spoilage. 

When you freeze the fruits, you are extending their shelf life and avoid throwing away overripe or unused fruit. You also don’t have to worry about eating or using all the fruit all at once – you can just conveniently grab the amount you need now and use the rest for later.

Freezing The Whole Avocado

Freezing whole avocados is possible, but there’s a trick. Firstly, you should peel and pit the avocados before freezing them. This step prevents the avocados from turning mushy when you thaw them. 

If you plan to use whole avocados later, consider mashing or pureeing them before freezing. It makes them more versatile for various recipes, from creamy dips to guacamole. Remember to add a bit of lemon or lime juice before freezing to help preserve their vibrant green color.

Avocado Halves Vs. Avocado Slices

The choice between freezing avocado halves or slices depends on your future culinary plans. Freezing slices of avocado is an excellent option if you enjoy adding avocado to sandwiches or creating quick avocado toast. These slices are easy to grab and use straight from the freezer. 

On the other hand, freezing avocado halves with the pit removed provides versatility. You can later dice, mash or puree the avocado for various recipes, like salads, smoothies or guacamole. Choose the freezing method that suits your cooking style best.

“Freezing avocados is a great way to buy them when they’re cheap and use them year-round! Choose ripe avocados for freezing to ensure proper ripening post-thawing. Then, to use, transfer frozen avocados to the fridge overnight or soak in room-temperature water for an hour. Remember that avocados can brown after thawing, so use them immediately or coat them with lemon or lime juice before freezing!”

— Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju, Urban Farmie 

Mashed Avocado Guacamole

Freezing mashed avocado is a smart way to prep for making guacamole later. When preparing this fantastic dip, the texture of the avocado is crucial. Freezing mashed avocado retains its creamy consistency, making it an ideal base for your guacamole. 

Add a bit of lemon or lime juice before freezing to ensure it stays fresh and green. It preserves the vibrant color and enhances the flavor of your future guacamole.

Avocado Smoothie

Frozen avocado chunks can elevate your smoothie game. Cut ripe avocados into convenient-sized pieces and freeze them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. When ready to blend, these frozen avocado chunks add a delightful creaminess to your smoothies. 

They’re a perfect addition to any fruit-based or green smoothie, offering healthy fats and a rich, velvety texture. Toss them in a blender or food processor, and you will enjoy a luscious and satisfying drink.

The Best Way To Freeze Avocados

In this simple guide, explore the best ways to freeze avocados so that you can enjoy their goodness whenever you please. Follow these simple steps and embark on this journey to keep our low-carb lifestyle fresh and flavorful.

Prepare Your Avocado

Begin by selecting perfectly ripe avocados. Fresh avocados are ripe when they yield slightly by gently squeezing them. Peel the avocados and cut them in half, remove the pit and scoop out the creamy flesh. 

You can cut the avocado into convenient chunks for freezing or mash it if you prefer a ready-made avocado puree for future recipes. Properly preparing your avocados in this step ensures they are ready for freezing and maintain their flavorful taste and texture when you use them later.

Cut And Clean

Start by removing the pit and scooping out the avocado flesh. Dice it into chunks or mash it if you prefer. Freezing avocado in your preferred texture allows you to use it more conveniently later.

Season

Sprinkle the avocado with lemon juice or any citrus juice before freezing to prevent it from turning brown. This simple step helps maintain the avocado’s fresh green color and adds a subtle, zesty flavor to your dishes.

Freeze

Place the prepared avocado in an airtight container or a plastic bag, squeezing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can also wrap them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals from forming. Properly sealed containers or bags are key to preserving the avocado’s flavor and texture during freezing.

Tips And Tricks

Can you freeze avocados? Already learned that. When using frozen avocado, add it directly to smoothies without thawing. It saves time and helps chill your smoothie without needing ice cubes.

To preserve the guacamole’s creamy texture, place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the guacamole before sealing it in an airtight container. This barrier prevents air from reaching the guacamole, helping it maintain its creamy consistency.

Freezing diced avocado on a baking sheet: Before transferring it to a container, it is recommended freezing with this extra step. It prevents the avocado pieces from clumping together in the freezer. 

Spread the diced avocados on a baking sheet and freeze them until they are solid. Then, transfer the frozen pieces to a container or resealable plastic bag for easy portioning and use.

How To Use Frozen Avocados?

Frozen avocados have a range of uses. Use your frozen avocados in chocolate pudding, hummus, baby food, or salad dressing, where their creaminess adds richness. You can also use them to make guacamole, where the texture remains smooth. 

Additionally, frozen avocado slices or chunks are perfect for topping salads, various taco recipes, chaffles or sandwiches. Let them thaw slightly before adding them to your dishes.

If you need more ideas for using frozen avocados, here are other delicious ways you can try.

By Itself

Frozen avocado chunks is a treat by itself, but I love making my milky avocado treat for a snack. I just add a little bit of condensed milk (or regular milk and sugar) to the avocado, give it a good mix, and you have an instant delicious healthy snack. 

You can adjust the amount of condensed milk according to your preferred level of sweetness. My kids love this and it makes for a great summertime snack!

In A Smoothie

As mentioned above, avocados are a great addition to green smoothies. Smoothies are a cold treat, so the best way to add an avocado to a smoothie is when it’s frozen, because it makes the drink smoother and creamier as opposed to adding the fruit fresh. 

Just add a little bit of water or milk to your mixture if you plan to use all frozen produce. Avocado straight out of a freezer works great in milkshakes, too!

On Toast

I love having avocado toast in the morning; it’s a quick everyday choice that never disappoints. Using frozen avocado can be more convenient than peeling and slicing a fresh one every time. 

I just thaw it a little bit so I can spread it easier on my sourdough toast, then I add my sunny-side-up eggs and drizzle it with sriracha for a delicious kick that will help me start my morning right. 

How To Thaw An Avocado?

Thawing frozen avocado is straightforward. To defrost, place the frozen avocados in the fridge and let them thaw overnight. Sometimes, even a few hours on a countertop until it softens is enough. 

You can often use frozen avocado chunks for recipes like smoothies without thawing them. It saves time and makes your goodies instantly cool and creamy.

Portions of this article originally appeared on Lowcarb-Nocarb.