Can you freeze avocados? Yes! Get my best tips for freezing avocados (4 ways) for the best taste and texture results! Learn exactly how to freeze avocados here, even guacamole!
If you're anything like me, you're here because you're trying to figure out how to make the most of all those amazing 3/$1 avocado sales at your local grocery store. Am I right? Good news, you're in the right place!
If you've been here before, you know that I love saving money and preserving food. And sometimes when I'm really lucky, those two loves intersect. I love those days. And today is one of those days!
Recently, I was able to grab a TON of fresh, organic avocados drastically on sale. Although, since avocados are on the "Clean 15" list, you can also take advantage of the sales for conventional avocados too.
Either way, when you see them on sale, and can't stop yourself from bringing home 50 or 60 fresh avocados (I wouldn't know anything about that ;-)) now you'll know exactly what to do with them!
Freezing Avocados
Though I am a huge fan of canning, and though I have heard that you can pickle avocados... I'm just going to advocate for the simplest and most effective method for storing avocados that we have found!
Freezing.
There are several different ways that you can freeze avocados for use at a later date when you find them on sale!
How to Freeze Avocados VIDEO
Watch this video on freezing avocados and get the full details for each method below when you're done! There is also a printable version of this information at the very end of the post!
Best Tips for Freezing Avocados
While you can choose between the various different ways to freeze your avocados, there are some universal tips that will help your frozen avocados be the best they can be!
- Choose ripe avocados - Select avocados that are perfectly ripe but not overripe. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not be mushy. Overripe avocados might have a compromised texture after freezing and underripe avocados will never ripen after freezing, but will always be hard and bland!
- Prepare avocados properly - Don't just throw the cut avocado in a bag and hope for the best! Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh. Next, either mash the flesh or leave it in chunks or halves, depending on your preference. Finally, for better color preservation, sprinkle some lemon or lime juice over the avocado flesh before freezing.
- Use appropriate storage containers - Place the prepared avocados in airtight containers or sealable freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible from the containers to prevent freezer burn! Label each bag or container with the freeze date and use within 3-6 months.
How to Freeze Avocados - 4 Ways
If you're not sure exactly how you want to freeze your avocados, let's take a quick look at each option and how the thawed product is best used. This will allow you to decide which is best for you!
1. Freezing Avocado Halves
If you're not sure what you want to do with your avocados when you use them later, this is the best way to freeze them!
Just cut them in half lengthwise, place them on a tray, and sprinkle each half with lemon juice. You don't need to soak them, but make sure it's more than a drop or two each!
Then place them in a ziploc bag and press as much air out as possible! If you want to really make sure you're getting all the air out and that your avocados aren't going to be brown, grab one of these food saver systems.
They are a fabulous addition to any frugal kitchen as they help keep food fresh for as long as possible!
2. Freezing Diced Avocados
If you don't know what you want to do with your avocados but don't like the idea of all that possible air exposure from the halves method, just dice your avocados and toss them with lemon juice!
At that point, place them in a ziploc bag or food saver system and make sure to squeeze out as much air as you can!
When you're ready to use them, thaw in a warm water bath, or place in the fridge the night before they will be needed. Easy!
3. Freezing Avocado Puree (Mashed Avocado)
This is a great way to prepare your avocados for freezing if you plan on making sauces, dressings, or guacamole with your avocados!
Just throw your avocado chunks into a food processor, squeeze in some lemon juice, and blend! Once your puree is as smooth as you'd like it, scoop it into a baggie, squeeze out the air, and freeze!
After thawing, you could also use this mashed avocado on toast for a delicious breakfast or snack!
4. Freezing Guacamole
This is hands down my favorite way to put up avocados when I find them on sale! And I have a little trick that makes it even easier to use after freeing than the other methods!
First, make your favorite guacamole recipe in whatever amount you'd like to freeze.
Once you have everything tasting the way you want, grab some ice cube trays and dollop a big spoonful of guacamole into each cavity!
Place trays in the freezer until guacamole is frozen solid. Pop the cubes out and place them in a baggie.
I like to throw a cube or two on top of my pre-made taco salads the night before needing the salad. That way the guacamole is thawed and ready to go by lunch! Easy peasy!
Common Questions
Frozen avocados can be stored for up to 3-6 months. However, for best quality, it is recommended to use them within 2-3 months.
To thaw frozen avocados, transfer them to the refrigerator and let them defrost overnight. You can also thaw them at room temperature, but this might lead to slight texture changes.
For a quicker thawing method, you can place the frozen avocado chunks in a microwave-safe bowl and defrost them using the defrost or low-power setting in short intervals, stirring occasionally. HOWEVER, this is going to give them a much different texture and should be avoided if at all possible!
Frozen avocados tend to become softer upon thawing, making them less suitable for slicing or garnishing. However, they are still great for mashing or blending into recipes.
While the taste and texture of frozen avocados may slightly change, they can still be used in various dishes like guacamole, smoothies, and spreads.
Thawed avocados can be used to make dips, salad dressings, avocado toast, or added to sandwiches, wraps, and tacos. They can also be blended into smoothies or used in baked goods like muffins or cakes.
It is generally not recommended to refreeze avocados once they have been thawed, as it can negatively affect their texture and quality. It's best to use them after thawing.
What Do Frozen Avocados Look Like After 3 Months?
I've had a lot of questions both here and on Facebook about how the color of the avocados holds up after being frozen. So I snapped this picture of the avocados from the video after being frozen for 3 months!
As you can see, no matter how you choose to freeze them, avocados frozen this way do stay completely green in the freezer! I had already used the diced avocados from the video, but they too were green when I pulled them out to use!
I hope this helps!
Even More Food Preservation Ideas
How to Freeze Avocados
Ingredients
- 4 avocados
- 1 lemon or lime
Instructions
Freezing Avocado Halves
- If you're not sure what you want to do with your avocados when you use them later, this is the best way to freeze them!
- Just cut them in half lengthwise, place them on a tray, and sprinkle each half with lemon juice. You don't need to soak them, but make sure it's more than a drop or two each!
- Then place them in a ziploc bag and press as much air out as possible! If you want to really make sure you're getting all the air out and that your avocados aren't going to be brown, grab one of these food saver systems.
- They are a fabulous addition to any frugal kitchen as they help keep food fresh for as long as possible!
Freezing Diced Avocados
- If you don't know what you want to do with your avocados but don't like the idea of all that possible air exposure from the halves method, just dice your avocados and toss them with lemon juice!
- At that point, place them in a ziploc bag or food saver system and make sure to squeeze out as much air as you can!
- When you're ready to use them, thaw in a warm water bath, or place in the fridge the night before they will be needed. Easy!
Freezing Avocado Puree
- This is a great way to prepare your avocados for freezing if you plan on making sauces, dressings, or guacamole with your avocados!
- Just throw your avocado chunks into a food processor, squeeze in some lemon juice and blend! Once your puree is as smooth as you'd like it, scoop it into a baggie, squeeze out the air and freeze!
Freezing Guacamole
- This is hands down my favorite way to put up avocados when I find them on sale! And I have a little trick that makes it even easier to use after freeing than the other methods!
- First, make guacamole. You can make the guacamole however you usually like to, but I like this simple guacamole recipe.
- Mash everything together in a bowl until smooth. Once you have everything tasting the way you want, grab some ice cube trays and dollop a big spoonful of guacamole into each cavity!
- Place trays in the freezer until guacamole is frozen solid. Pop the cubes out and place in a baggie.
- I like to throw a cube or two on the top of my pre-made taco salads the night before needing the salad. That way the guacamole is thawed and ready to go by lunch! Easy peasy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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What are they like when you thaw the halved avocados?
Hi Kim! They are a bit mushy, perfect for guacamole, but I don’t like eating them fresh on a salad.
Thank you for the tips, off to freeze some!
Awesome! Enjoy!
I had no idea. Thanks!
You’re welcome! Enjoy!
Is the lemon juice a necessity? Didn’t realize that when I bought the avocado
Yes, it keeps it from turning brown. The taste changes a lot too when the avocados turn brown, so it really is needed. Fresh or bottled lemon juice will work!
You could even use lime instead :-)