Eat EmpoweredCan Avocados Be Frozen? Your Burning Questions Answered By an RD
By Ellie Erlich, MS, RDHome » Eat Empowered » Can Avocados Be Frozen? Your Burning Questions Answered By an RD
Ever found yourself with an excess of avocados and wondering how to save them for a rainy day? Personally, this event is rare and far between (any excuse to make guacamole, right?!) But if you do find yourself in this predicament, frozen avocados can be a great addition to smoothies or any other blended avocado treat (like an antioxidant-packed chocolate-avocado pudding!)
Before you grab those avocados in the fridge and throw them in the freezer, let’s dig a little bit deeper into an avocado’s nutrient-preservation, changes in texture and best methods for storing them.
How to Preserve an Avocado’s Nutrients
Lots of fruits and veggies come canned or frozen, so you can enjoy them year-round. That’s not the case with avocados, which typically can only be bought in their whole, fresh state. As with all fresh produce, nutrient concentrations will decline with time. When it comes to avocados, they’re excellent sources of potassium, folate, vitamin B6 and healthy fats. Freezing will not drastically change these healthful benefits, but as time goes by you can expect some nutrient losses, especially in an avocado’s water-soluble vitamins.
Will Freezing Avocados Change Their Texture?
Don’t expect frozen avocados to hold up for an avocado toast or salad topper as their consistency and texture will definitely shift. Fruits like avocado (yes, it’s a fruit!) have a high water content, and as this water freezes and expands, the creamy texture you’re expecting will certainly change.
How to Freeze Avocados
Despite the cons, you may still want to freeze some avocados. (Hey, they’re pricey and maybe you got a good deal on a box of them. We don’t judge.) Whatever you’re reason, follow this foolproof, step-by-step guide for how to freeze avocado:
1. Assess ripeness. The ripening process will completely stall when you toss avocados in the freezer, so make sure your avocado is perfectly ripe.
2. Prep your avocado. Slice your avocado, remove the pit and scoop out the flesh before placing it in a freezer bag or container. I like to slice mine into strips for easier blending.
3. Toss with lemon. Add 1 – 2 teaspoons of lemon juice to prevent any browning.
4. Remove as much air as possible. If using a ziplock bag, try to remove as much air as possible for better preservation.
Now, what to do with your frozen avocados?! Try this delicious and easy Choco-Avocado Pudding recipe that is loaded with antioxidants from avocado (vitamin E, lycopene) and cocoa powder (flavonoids) or this Avocado Banana Smoothie for a nutrient-dense breakfast:
Choco-Avocado Pudding
Ingredients:
- 1 medium avocado
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sliced almonds
Directions:
Blend all ingredients until smooth and enjoy!
(Image: Shutterstock)
Ellie Erlich is a registered dietitian and holds a Master of Science in clinical nutrition from New York University. She is the program mentor for The Nutritious Life Studio and works privately with clients to accomplish a wide range of wellness goals from weight loss to chronic conditions and autoimmune disorders.
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