The Real Reason Packaged Guacamole Stays Green - Mashed (2024)

FAQs

The Real Reason Packaged Guacamole Stays Green - Mashed? ›

But as every guac fan knows, the stuff has a tendency to look nasty in a hurry, a problem only compounded when the product is made in advance. Fortunately for Wholly, the brand had already pioneered a high-pressure process that removes all the air from the container, so the batch doesn't oxidize and turn brown.

It isn't exposed to air

The biggest problem that manufacturers have to avoid is air. When avocados are exposed to air, they begin to oxidize. That's when and why they start to turn brown.

The most likely answer is an ingredient most people don't put in their homemade recipe but is in almost all store-bought versions. Citric acid is a commonly used flavoring and preservative in mass food production. This ingredient is used to prevent enzymatic browning and infuse a tart, bright flavor.

The National Center for Home Food Preservation noted that if kept in a cool, dry place, the contents of your vacuum sealed jar may last for up to a year if left unopened. If you prefer keeping your guacamole stored in large batches, consider freezing it in large bags.

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.

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. If you're trying to store a cut avocado, be sure to leave the pit in, as it will naturally protect the flesh underneath and prevent browning.

Homemade guacamole is a quick, easy, and healthier choice. Store-bought guacamole often contains sour cream, added sugar, artificial flavors, preservatives, and a lot of sodium. However, there are some brands, such as Wholly Guacamole, that sell individual pre-portioned guacamole dip packs.

Making guacamole is fairly easy and, when homemade, easy to customize, so you can have it exactly the way you like it. But the primary reason that you should make your own if you can is that it's much cheaper — about half the cost, in fact.

What Is the Difference Between Avocado and Guacamole? We know the answer is obvious to most of you, but nevertheless, a lot of people ask this question. The difference between avocado and guacamole is: the first item is a fruit, and the second item is a dip using that fruit.

Store-bought guacamole that's unopened should last 1-2 weeks. Once opened, store-bought guacamole usually lasts 1-2 days. Homemade guacamole also usually lasts 1-2 days. You'll know it's gone bad when it has a substantial puddle of brown liquid and the layers below the surface have lost their vibrant green hue.

Should you cover guacamole in the fridge? ›

When you store guacamole, there's a simple trick to keeping the goods from going brown. Put your guac in a bowl, pour lukewarm water over it and cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, like Glad® Press'n Seal® before placing it in the fridge. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply pour the water off.

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.

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.

“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.

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.