You Can Freeze Avocados!

Avocados are in season right this minute and I've noticed some pretty stellar sales going on. The problem with avocados?

They are fickle. Not ready, not ready, not quite ready, EAT ME RIGHT NOW, too late.

But did you know that you can freeze avocados? You can! Frozen avocado won't work in salads, but it's great for smoothies and guacamole.

Check out this method for freezing avocados and enjoy their creamy, buttery goodness year round!

Freezing Avocado Whole

Freeze the whole avocado, peel and all! No need to cut it up for this method of freezing an avocado:

1. Wash and dry the avocado.
2. Wrap the whole avocado in plastic wrap individually.
3. Place your wrapped avocados into a freezer ziplock bag. Seal.
4. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Freezing Avocado Halves

1. Wash the whole avocado before cutting.
2. Cut in half and peel. You don't have to remove the pit if you don't want to.
3. Sprinkle the avocado halves with lemon juice to prevent browning.
4. Wrap each half in plastic wrap individually.
5. Then place them all in a freezer safe bag.
6. Remove the air from the bag and seal.
7. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Freezing Cut Avocado

Frozen avocado chunks are great for smoothies! These don't work well in salads as a substitute for fresh, but they're great cooked.

1. Wash and peel the avocado.
2. Slice in half, remove the pit and peel.
3. Cut as desired. You can do slices or chunks.
4. Sprinkle lemon juice on each slice to prevent browning.
5. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for an hour.
6. Move the frozen chunks into a freezer ziplock bag.
7. Remove the air from the bag and seal.
8. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Tips for Freezing and Thawing

• Use ripe avocados. Don't freeze the ones that are getting too soft to use.
• Use a spray bottle to spray lemon juice. This will more evenly distribute the lemon and prevent browning.
• To thaw, place the frozen avocado (in the freezer bag) in a bowl of cold water for about thirty minutes or thaw overnight in the refrigerator.