Introduction
Avocado is a versatile and delicious culinary ingredient used in a wide variety of dishes, from guacamole to salads, sandwiches and more. However, one of the biggest challenges when working with avocados is keeping them from turning black once they’ve been cut. Exposure to air can cause the avocado to oxidize, resulting in an unappealing color and altered flavor. Fortunately, there is a simple and effective trick you can use to keep your avocados fresh and green for longer.
The ultimate trick: lemon or lime juice
The ultimate trick to prevent avocado from turning black is to use lemon or lime juice. These citrus fruits contain ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant and helps prevent oxidation of the avocado. The process is quite simple and only requires a few steps.
Step 1: Cut the avocado and remove the bone
First, cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. This will allow you to access the pulp of the avocado and prepare it for the next step.
Step 2: Apply lemon or lime juice
After removing the pit, squeeze some lemon or lime juice over the exposed flesh of the avocado. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the avocado with a thin layer of juice.
Step 3: Distribute the juice evenly
Use a kitchen brush or even your fingers to spread the lemon or lime juice evenly over the entire surface of the avocado. This will create a protective barrier that will prevent the avocado from coming into contact with air and rusting.
Step 4: Store the avocado
After applying the citrus juice, you can store the avocado in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cold helps slow down the oxidation process and extends the shelf life of the avocado. If you only used half of the avocado and want to keep the other half for later, you can store it in an airtight container with the pit still in place. This will help keep the avocado pulp in contact with the bone, which can help prevent oxidation.
Other options
In addition to using lemon or lime juice, you can also find specific products on the market designed to keep avocados fresher for longer. These products are usually made from natural ingredients such as citrus fruits and herbs, and come in the form of an aerosol or adhesive sheet that is placed on the pulp of the avocado.
Regardless of which method you choose, it’s important to remember that avocados are more prone to rusting once they’ve been cut, so it’s best to eat them as soon as possible after opening. However, with the right trick and proper storage, you can enjoy fresh, green avocados for longer and prevent them from turning black.
