Three ingredients to store with your avocado to keep fruit ‘nice and green’

Avocadoes are a food widely touted for their health-giving properties, but the rate at which they soften sees the fruit go to waste in many households.

Fortunately, experts at @Allrecipes, have shared three ways the fruit can remain fresher for longer by simply storing it alongside other staple vegetables.

The life hack enthusiast warned that storing avocados in water, as has become popular, should be avoided at all costs.

The main danger is the development of harmful bacteria such as listeria, because pathogens on the skin of the fruit tend to multiply in water.

“Don’t try it,” say the experts. “The FDA warns that any pathogens on the surface of the skin could actually multiply water.”

Fortunately, storing avocado with onion is deemed equally efficient for preventing the browning of avocadoes, thanks to its sulfur compounds.

These fumes are responsible for slowing down the browning process, helping avocados stay fresher for an average of two days.

“Store with slices of red onions,” the experts noted. “The vapours release will prevent the avocado from browning. If it’s face up you won’t get any of that avocado flavor.”

Another classic hack hailed by DIY enthusiasts involves squeezing lemon juice onto the fruit.

The acidulant compounds in lemon – namely citric and ascorbic acid – are to thank for this hack as they lower the pH levels of avocadoes.

“Coat the surface with lemon juice, the acid will keep the avocado nice and green.”

Last but not least, there is olive oil, which creates a physical sealant around the fruit to prevent oxygen from tarnishing the flesh.

The oil can be lightly brushed or sprayed onto the fruit before it is stored in an airtight container.

“Spray [the avocado] with olive oil,” noted the content creator. “This is the last one I learned about but it works so well at keeping the air off the surface.”