5 Easy Ways to Keep Your Avocados from Turning Brown (2024)

Updated: Jan. 31, 2024

These simple tricks can help keep your favorite taco-topping, guac-making, salad-boosting ingredient looking fresh, green, and ready to enhance almost any recipe.

Avocado is one of those ingredients that can take an average dish to a new, delicious level all on its own. From crisp salads to sizzling fajitas to your morning toast, almost anything can be enhanced by the creamy, green fruit (yep, it’s a fruit!).

But once you start slicing and dicing that avocado, you’ve got a relatively short window to incorporate it into your recipe before it begins to turn brown. Chances are you won’t get sick from eating that slightly speckled piece, but when it comes to presenting a pretty plate, most people tend to frown on brown.

Whether adding it to a sandwich or topping a bowl of chili, you don’t always use a whole avocado in one dish. If you’re hanging on to the other half, you can store it in the fridge for later use—but the way you store it is essential for ensuring your avocado looks fresh. For that, you need to know how to store an avocado and protect it from turning brown.

This is the one thing you should never do to your avocados.

Why Do Avocados Turn Brown?

Before getting into the solutions for keeping a sliced avocado green, it’s important to understand why it turns brown in the first place. Avocados contain an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase, which causes the flesh to brown when exposed to air—or more specifically, when it’s exposed to oxygen. So in order to maintain that gorgeous green color, the flesh of an avocado needs to be protected from oxygen exposure. Ever wonder why it usually stays green just underneath the pit? The pit doesn’t hold any magical powers—it just acts as a barrier against oxygen until it’s removed.

You could spring forthis avocado keeper or try one of these at-home tricks. None of the solutions is everlasting—the exposed flesh will eventually brown, but these methods will help lengthen the time you can store your sliced avocado without worrying about excessive browning.

How to Keep an Avocado from Turning Brown

Trick No. 1: Submergein water

5 Easy Ways to Keep Your Avocados from Turning Brown (1)via Lisa Couch Williams/facebook.com

You can submerge whole avocados in water and pop them in the fridge. This helps keep your avocados fresh in case you have too many avocados to use quickly or are going out of town for a week and leaving brand-new avocados behind!

Trick No. 2: Seal with plastic wrap

If you’ve halved an avocado, carefully apply plastic wrap against the flesh. You can leave the pit in or take it out, but if you do remove it, make sure to lightly press the plastic wrap along the well where the pit was to ensure a tight seal.

Trick No. 3: Add a citrus twist

5 Easy Ways to Keep Your Avocados from Turning Brown (2)Maria Tebryaeva/Getty Images

Citrus fruits naturally contain strong antioxidants, which work against oxygen to slow down spoiling or browning in certain foods. Simply brush a little lemon or lime juice across the flesh of a sliced avocado, seal it in an airtight container, and it should delay the browning process for about a day. Here are more cool things lemon can do.

Trick No. 4: Brush with oil

Oil will also help oxygen from reaching the flesh of an avocado. Brush the exposed area with olive oil or vegetable oil to create a barrier, then seal in an airtight container—it should keep from browning for about a day or so.

Trick No. 5: Buddy up with onion

Onions aren’t just a tasty addition to guacamole—they’re naturally an avocado’s BFF: Brown-Fighting Friend, that is. Onions contain sulfur compounds that, when released, slow the oxidation that causes browning. Roughly chop up a red onion, place it in an airtight container, and lay your avocado half on top. Bonus: You’re partway through the prep for incredible homemade guacamole!

So go ahead and stock up on some avocados, then try any of the methods above (or test them all to see which works best for you). Read up on these surprising fun facts about avocado, then put your star ingredient to use with irresistible avocado recipes.

How to Put Avocados to Good Use!

1 / 48

Avocado Crab BoatsThese boats are wonderful with tortilla chips, beans or rice. You can also cover them, pack them on ice, and take them to a picnic or potluck. Straight from the oven or cold, they're always delicious. —Frances Benthin, Scio, Oregon

Go to Recipe

Chicken Skewers with Cool Avocado SauceI’m always looking for lighter recipes to take on tailgate outings—and this one works fabulously for grilling. Just whip up the marinade, add the chicken and take it along to the pregame festivities. —Veronica Callaghan, Glastonbury, Connecticut

Go to Recipe

Blackened Catfish with Mango Avocado SalsaA delightful and tasty rub makes this quick recipe fantastic. While the fish is sitting to allow the flavors to blend, you can easily assemble the salsa. My family loves this! —Laura Fisher, Westfield, Massachusetts

Go to Recipe

Avocado Scrambled Eggs Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Avocado Scrambled EggsBacon and avocado blend nicely in these special eggs. They’re easy and perfect for breakfast. But I'll also whip them up after an evening meeting or football game—or any time friends drop by for coffee. —Sundra Hauck, Bogalusa, Louisiana

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

My Favorite Avocado SaladTangy lime dressing is the perfect topper for this avocado salad. Toasted walnuts make for crunchy goodness, but try it with any kind of nut you like. —Ilia Kaku, North Richland Hills, Texas

Go to Recipe

Air-Fryer Fried Avocado Tacos Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Air-Fryer Fried Avocado TacosTacos just got even more exciting! These juicy, flavorful, easy and healthy tacos are for those who are huge fans of avocado. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

Go to Recipe

Avocado Salsa Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Avocado SalsaI was planning a party and thought it might be fun to try a different kind of avocado salsa. This recipe was an absolute success. Scoop it up with chips, spoon it over chicken or steak, or eat it on its own! —Susan Vandermeer, Ogden, Utah

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

My husband and I love Mexican food and these tacos have become one of our favorite meals. Try setting out the toppings in different bowls on the table so dinner guests and kids can make their own tacos. —Laura Rodriguez, Willoughby, Ohio

Go to Recipe

Creamy Avocado Manicotti Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Creamy Avocado ManicottiI am always looking for creative ways to make vegetarian dinners a little different. I grow my own basil, and avocados are a versatile favorite, so this recipe is a fantastic way to make manicotti that's a little unusual. —Jennifer Coduto, Kent, Ohio

Go to Recipe

Mexican Layered SaladHere’s another popular dish I like to prepare in advance, adding the cheese and chips just before serving. It’s a slightly different version of the traditional layered salad.—Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Go to Recipe

Chicken Tacos with Avocado SalsaA few people in my family have special dietary needs, but luckily, these chicken tacos work for all of us. I toss up a simple green salad and have a meal we can all enjoy together. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California

Go to Recipe

My family loves a good steak dinner, but with busy schedules, I'm often thinking about ways to put new and simple twists on things. This salad is flavored with the freshness of lemon and cilantro and is one of my husband's favorite weeknight dishes. —Lyndsay Wells, Ladysmith, British Columbia

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Avocado Goat Cheese TrufflesGive guests the VIP treatment with luxurious truffles you can make in your own kitchen. The goat cheese is mild, and red pepper heats up each bite just a bit. Crackers are the perfect accompaniment. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

Go to Recipe

I'm a vegetarian, and this is a tasty, quick and healthy lunch I could eat for every meal. At my house, we call these sandwiches HATS: hummus, avocado, tomato and shallots. These are ingredients I almost always have on hand. —Sarah Jaraha, Moorestown, New Jersey

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Shrimp Salad with Cilantro DressingThis pretty salad has such authentic flavor, you'll think you're sitting at a beachside cantina in Acapulco. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota

Go to Recipe

Mexicali Quiche with Avocado Crust Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Mexicali Quiche with Avocado CrustNew Mexican cuisine is my favorite, and this quiche uses an avocado crust filled with many delicious ingredients. Top with chopped cilantro for garnish. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

Go to Recipe

Baby Kale Salad with Avocado-Lime DressingWe pull a bunch of ingredients from our garden when we make this baby kale salad with zucchini and sweet onion. The yogurt dressing layers on big lime flavor. —Suzanna Esther, State College, Pennsylvania

Go to Recipe

Slow-Cooker Chicken Taco Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Slow-Cooker Chicken Taco SaladWe use this super-duper chicken across several meals, including it in tacos, sandwiches, omelets and enchiladas. My little guys love to help measure the seasonings. —Karie Houghton, Lynnwood, Washington

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Chipotle Lime Avocado SaladI use my music to promote a healthy lifestyle, like eating your veggies. This bright salad is loaded with avocado, cucumbers, tomatoes and a little heat factor. —DJ Cavem, Denver, Colorado

Go to Recipe

Greek Sausage Pita PizzasI turned my favorite sandwich into a pizza. It's perfect for lunch or dinner, but don't forget it when you're having a bunch of people over—it makes a fantastic appetizer, too. —Marion McNeill, Mayfield Heights, Ohio

Go to Recipe

Avocado Fruit Salad with Tangerine VinaigretteOn long summer days when we just want to relax, I make a cool salad with avocado, berries and mint. The tangerine dressing is refreshingly different. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio

Go to Recipe

Southwestern Eggs Benedict with Avocado Sauce Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Southwestern Eggs Benedict with Avocado SauceI frequently make this spicy spinoff of classic eggs Benedict for my husband, who loves breakfast. I like the heat from the jalapenos and also that the avocado sauce is a healthier substitute for the usual hollandaise sauce. —Kara Scow, McKinney, Texas

Go to Recipe

Potato Salad with Kalamata-Hazelnut Vinaigrette Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Potato Salad with Kalamata-Hazelnut VinaigrettePotato salad tossed with vinaigrette has a lighter taste than traditional mayo versions. I add velvety avocado and hazelnuts for cool texture and crunch. —Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington

Go to Recipe

A big hit with my family, this light salad is so easy to make! The healthy option of mango and avocado is simply the best combination you could serve. —Amy Liesemeyer, Tucson, Arizona

Go to Recipe

Skinny Cobb Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Skinny Cobb SaladThis skinny version of Cobb salad has all the taste and creaminess with half the fat and calories. You can skip the coleslaw mix and use all lettuce, but I like the crunch you get with cabbage. —Taylor Kiser, Brandon, Florida

Go to Recipe

Shrimp Avocado Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Shrimp Avocado SaladThis salad can be served as a cool and satisfying dinner or lunch. The delicious taste and smooth texture of avocados mixed with the crisp shrimp salad is heavenly. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

Go to Recipe

Loaded Grilled Chicken SandwichI threw these ingredients together on a whim and the sandwich turned out so well, I surprised myself! If you're in a rush, microwave the bacon—just cover it with a paper towel to keep it from spattering too much. —Dana York, Kennewick, Washington

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Bacon Avocado SaladEveryone in my family loves this bacon and avocado salad—even the younger kids! I serve it at pretty much every get-together I've hosted, and at this point, the recipe's been shared too many times to count. —Noreen McCormick Danek, Cromwell, Connecticut

Go to Recipe

Avocado QuesadillasAvocados give quesadillas some nutritional value and, fortunately, my son likes them. Thinly slice the avocado, and add chicken or beef for extra protein. —Debbie Limas, North Andover, Massachusetts

Go to Recipe

Grilled Flank Steak with Summer RelishMy garden produces a nice harvest of tomatoes, scallions, corn, garlic and poblanos, so that's what I use to make relish for this tasty steak. —Brenda Washnock, Negaunee, Michigan

Go to Recipe

Salmon Burger Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Salmon BurgerI thought I’d made salmon every way you can make it—until now. The tangy slaw, made with fennel and avocado, adds another layer of flavor that goes surprisingly well with salmon and other seafood. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas

Go to Recipe

California Club Pizza Recipe photo by Taste of Home

California Club PizzaYou can use your favorite store-bought pizza dough or make your own for this West Coast-inspired pie topped with tomato, avocado and sprouts. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Chicken Cakes with Avocado Mango SauceHere's a fabulous appetizer for your next party. Or serve these chicken cakes for dinner with a side of hot rice and your favorite vegetable. —Rachael Nodes, La Barge, Wyoming

Go to Recipe

Avocado Egg Salad Toast Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Avocado Egg Salad ToastI had a surplus of avocados after purchasing too many for an event. A few days later, I was making egg salad sandwiches for lunch and had the fantastic idea to use avocado to bind it together instead of traditional mayo. Not only was this version unbelievably delicious but the healthy fats in the avocado make this a much better option than the traditional mayo-laden version. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta

Go to Recipe

Avocado Fruit SaladI'm glad a friend gave me this delicious recipe, featuring four kinds of fruit as well as avocado. A light honey-lemon dressing enhances the already tasty flavor of the produce. My family loves it and so do I! —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas

Go to Recipe

A squeeze of lime, a sprinkle of cilantro and a little avocado make this a creamy and zingy pasta salad. —Carrie Farias, Oak Ridge, New Jersey

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Chicken with Peach-Avocado SalsaThis super fresh dinner is pure summer—juicy peaches, creamy avocado, grilled chicken and a kick of hot sauce and lime. To get it on the table even quicker, make the salsa ahead. —Shannon Roum, Cudahy, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

No-Fuss Avocado Onion SaladMy mother, Nena, grew up in Cuba and learned many styles of cooking. She had a knack for making something incredibly simple taste amazing. This salad is proof. By itself, the dressing is really tart, but add the avocados and onions and it's the perfect complement. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Grilled Cheese and Avocado SandwichWho doesn’t love a grilled cheese sandwich? This version kicks it up a notch with avocado, tons of cheese and extra-crispy bread. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist

Go to Recipe

California Burger Bowls Recipe photo by Taste of Home

California Burger BowlsBurgers are a weekly staple at our house year-round. Skip the fries, chips and bun—you won't need them with these loaded veggie and fruit burgers. To spice up the mayo, add 1/2 tsp. of chipotle powder. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Go to Recipe

Cornmeal Catfish with Avocado SauceWhen I was growing up in California, my mother made catfish quite often, and it was always a hit. Now I cook it with my own twist. When only frozen catfish fillets are available, I thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, and they work just as well. —Mary Lou Cook, Welches, Oregon

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Power up with a breakfast that keeps you going all morning long. In my humble opinion, this sandwich tastes so much better than anything that comes from a drive-thru! —Marcia Conlon, Traverse City, Michigan

Go to Recipe

Mexican Shrimp co*cktailIt's up to you how to enjoy this co*cktail—eat it with a spoon as a chilled soup, or use tortilla chips or crackers for scooping. —Erin Moreno, Arcadia, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

Avocado Bean DipI love guacamole! But I add beans to boost the amount of fiber in this version. It has a texture similar to hummus and is perfect for dipping chips, pita or veggies. —Raquel Haggard, Edmond, Oklahoma

Go to Recipe

My husband wanted bacon and eggs; I wanted a BLT. We settled our standoff with an irresistible sandwich we've had many times since. —Patti Darwin, Lubbock, Texas

Go to Recipe

Lemon Cranberry Quinoa SaladAs the family cook, I appreciate how easy this is to throw together on a busy weeknight. Plus, this salad never gets boring. One of my favorite variations is to substitute diced fresh mango for the cranberries, cilantro for the parsley, and lime for the lemon juice and zest. —Mary Shenk, DeKalb, Illinois

Go to Recipe

Cherry Tomato Pasta with Avocado SauceHeart-healthy avocado makes this pasta dish feel indulgent without being overly rich. The flavorful sauce is so luscious, you’ll think there is cream hiding in there. It’s guilt-free and dairy-free, but with a texture and consistency that’s similar to traditional cream-based sauces. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Ham and Avocado ScrambleHearty ham, creamy avocado and a hint of garlic—this winning egg dish has all the makings for a breakfast, lunch or dinner. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Go to Recipe

5 Easy Ways to Keep Your Avocados from Turning Brown (2024)

FAQs

5 Easy Ways to Keep Your Avocados from Turning Brown? ›

Lemon or Lime Juice

A common method is tightly covering the flesh with plastic wrap, but if you're looking for a low-waste approach, you'll be glad to know that you can use standard kitchen ingredients. One technique is to squeeze a bit of fresh lemon or lime juice on the cut side of an avocado.

What can I mix with avocado to keep it from turning brown? ›

Lemon or Lime Juice

A common method is tightly covering the flesh with plastic wrap, but if you're looking for a low-waste approach, you'll be glad to know that you can use standard kitchen ingredients. One technique is to squeeze a bit of fresh lemon or lime juice on the cut side of an avocado.

What keeps avocados fresh longer? ›

Tightly wrap the avocado in plastic film to further reduce air exposure. Place the avocado in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator in the crisper drawer.

What's the best way to keep avocados from ripening too fast? ›

Countertop, Fridge or Freezer? Until they're fully ripe, avocados should be stored at room temperature. Placing an unripe avocado in the refrigerator will slow the ripening process, but the same concept applies to ripe avocados: put them in the refrigerator to keep them at their prime ripeness for longer.

How to keep avocado fresh overnight? ›

While you can purchase some clever half-avocado storage solutions, the easiest way to preserve half of the fruit is to rub some olive oil or lime juice on the flesh, then cover the whole thing (even the skin side) tightly with plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator.

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 to stop avocado going brown without lemon? ›

Coat with honey. Adding a thin coat of honey to the surface of your cut avocado may also help delay avocado browning. This is because honey acts as a barrier that helps limit contact with oxygen while inactivating the PPO enzyme at the same time ( 2 ).

How do you prolong the life of an avocado? ›

The method seemed simple enough: You're supposed to submerge whole avocados in cool water in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. Leave the container there until you're ready to use. Take it out, dry off the avocados, and enjoy.

Why should you not refrigerate avocados? ›

Avocados. The refrigerator will slow avocados in the ripening process, so unless you're stacked with too many avocados for your weekly use, keep them out at room temperature. The cold temperature also hardens the texture of a ripe avocado, which might not be ideal for some when it comes to mealtime.

Can avocados last 2 weeks in the fridge? ›

A perfectly ripe avocado is best eaten right away. If this is not possible, the best way to store ripe avocados is in the fridge for a maximum of 2 to 3 days. Any longer and the avocado may brown inside. Unripe avocados, on the other hand, can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

What should you not store avocado with? ›

Ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone, can accelerate ripening and spoilage, making it important to store avocados away from ethylene-producing fruits like apples and bananas; unless you want your avocados to ripen faster.

Can I eat brown avocado? ›

The good news? It's still totally fine to eat. The taste of a browning avocado will be similar to when the fruit retained its vibrant green, but it may be a little bitter.

What can I use instead of lemon to stop avocado going brown? ›

Add pineapple juice

As with lemon juice, coating your avocado with pineapple juice may keep it from turning brown.

How do you keep avocado leaves from turning brown? ›

This excess salt accumulates in the leaf edges, where it kills the tissue and the leaf dries out and turns brown. It's important to water deeply and slowly. At least once a month, water deeply enough to "leach" or push salts well below the root zone.

Can you use vinegar to keep avocado from turning brown? ›

Water is a great trick to use for storing guacamole so it stays fresh, but there are a few other options as well. Acid, like lemon, lime, or vinegar, creates a barrier against oxygen as well, so applying a thin layer will work in a similar way.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Mr. See Jast

Last Updated:

Views: 5779

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Mr. See Jast

Birthday: 1999-07-30

Address: 8409 Megan Mountain, New Mathew, MT 44997-8193

Phone: +5023589614038

Job: Chief Executive

Hobby: Leather crafting, Flag Football, Candle making, Flying, Poi, Gunsmithing, Swimming

Introduction: My name is Mr. See Jast, I am a open, jolly, gorgeous, courageous, inexpensive, friendly, homely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.