A Complete Guide on How to Freeze Avocado Chunks

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Have you ever wondered what to do with those perfectly ripe avocados before they go bad? In this article, we’ll answer that question by showing you how to freeze avocado chunks. Discover the step-by-step process of extending their shelf life, from selecting the right avocados to preventing browning, and exploring the many creative and different ways you can use your frozen chunks of avocado.

Say goodbye to wasted avocados and hello to a handy kitchen staple with our comprehensive guide on how to freeze avocado chunks.

Check out our new recipe roundup for what to do with leftover avocado. Along with main dishes, dips and salads, it also has a dedicated section for delicious smoothie recipes. They would be perfect for using up your frozen avocado chunks!

Related: how to store cut avocado, what does avocado taste like

Benefits of Having Avocado Chunks on Hand

• Extended Shelf Life: Freezing avocados allows you to extend their shelf life by several months, preventing them from going bad before you can use them.
• Reduced Food Waste: By freezing ripe avocados, you can reduce food waste, as you won’t have to discard overripe avocados that often go uneaten.
• Convenient Availability: With frozen avocado chunks, you have easy access to this fruit at any time, even when avocados aren’t in season.
• Time-Saver: Prepping avocados in advance and freezing them can save time when you’re in a hurry to make guacamole, salads, smoothies, or other avocado recipes.
• Texture Preservation: When properly frozen and thawed, avocado chunks maintain their creamy texture, making them suitable for various recipes.
• Cost-Efficient: Buying excess avocados at your local grocery store when they are on sale and freezing them can be a cost-effective way to enjoy this popular fruit year-round.
• Versatile Ingredient: Frozen avocado can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, from salads and sandwiches to desserts and dressings.
• Easier Meal Planning: Knowing you have frozen avocado pieces available can make meal planning more convenient, as you can always add them to your recipes.

Equipment

The good news is, you don’t need much to preserve your excess of avocados that are ready for freezing. 

• Citrus juice 
• Perfectly ripe avocado 
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Spoon
• Baking sheet
• Beeswax paper or parchment paper
• Freezer-safe bag or airtight container

Selecting the Right Avocado

Selecting avocados at the ideal ripeness is crucial for best results and preparing them for freezing. Here’s how to choose avocados suitable for the freezing process and why it’s essential to avoid both overripe and underripe avocados:

1. Firmness: Gently squeeze the avocado without applying too much pressure. It should yield slightly to gentle pressure, indicating that it’s ripe but not mushy. If it feels extremely soft or gives too easily, it’s likely overripe.
2. Color: Check the avocado’s skin color. Ripe avocados typically have dark green to nearly black skin, but this varies depending on the avocado variety. An unripe avocado has bright green skin, so it’s important to avoid those.
3. Stem End: Remove the small stem or cap from the top of the avocado. If it comes off easily and is green underneath, the avocado is ripe. If it’s brown, the avocado may be overripe or have brown spots.

Avoiding Overripe Avocados

• Texture: Overripe, mushy avocados can have a less appealing texture once thawed. They may turn into a pureed avocado, making them less suitable for recipes that require smaller pieces or slices.
• Flavor: Overripe avocados might develop off-flavors or become bitter, affecting the taste of your frozen avocado chunks.
• Browning: Overripe avocados are more prone to browning due to excess enzyme activity. This can result in unappetizing brown spots or a less vibrant color when frozen.

Avoiding Underripe Avocados

• Hardness: Underripe avocados are too hard and will not yield to gentle pressure. Freezing underripe avocados can result in chunks that remain hard and unpleasant to eat.
• Lack of Flavor: Underripe avocados may lack the creamy, buttery flavor associated with ripe avocados, which can affect the taste of your dishes.
• Difficulty in Peeling: Underripe avocados can be challenging to peel, as the skin may adhere tightly to the flesh. This can make the preparation process more labor-intensive.

How to Freeze Avocado Chunks

By following these simple steps, you will be able to effectively preserve the fresh flavor and texture of the fruit:

1. Cut avocado in half and remove the seed.

2. Using a spoon, scoop out the avocado flesh from each half of the avocado.

3. Cut avocado halves into cubes.

4. Place the chunks into a bowl and squeeze fresh lemon juice over them.

5. If available, use a slotted spoon to toss and evenly coat the chunks with a little lemon juice.

6. Using that same spoon, scoop the chunks onto your wax paper-lined baking sheet. Arrange them in a way so they are not touching or overlapping each other.

7. Next, you’re going to flash freeze your avocado chunks. Place your baking sheet on a flat surface in your freezer. Freeze for 1-2 hours. Time will vary depending on your freezer’s temperature. After flash freezing, check for firmness.

8. Once fully frozen, quickly transfer the avocado chunks into an airtight container or plastic freezer bag. If using a resealable bag, be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. This will help prevent freezer burn. Make sure to label and date the container for future reference.

How to Thaw Avocado Chunks

To thaw frozen avocado chunks, place them in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. You can also thaw them more quickly at room temperature or using the defrost function on your microwave.

Other Ways to Freeze Avocados

Below are a few simple methods for freezing avocados in different forms: 

• Whole Avocados: While it’s possible to freeze whole avocados, it’s generally not recommended. Freezing them whole can create a texture change. Wrap the whole fruit in plastic wrap and place them in a ziploc bag that’s freezer safe.
• Avocado Slices: Prepare and store slices of avocado for freezing the same way that you would prepare the chunks.
• Mashed Avocado: Mash fresh avocado with lemon or lime juice. Spoon mixture into ice cube trays. Flash freeze the ice cube tray then place the mashed avocado cubes in an airtight bag that’s freezer safe.
• Avocado Puree: Place avocado pieces into a food processor along with citrus juice and pulse until you have a smooth puree. Spoon puree into ice cube trays and flash freeze it. Remove puree cubes from the tray and store in a freezer safe bag or container. 
• Avocado Halves: Cut avocado in half and carefully remove the pit. Next, you’ll want to brush the exposed flesh of the avocados with a citrus juice like lemon. Individually wrap each avocado half tightly with plastic wrap. Place the wrapped avocado halves in an air-tight container. 

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Avocado Chunks

• Avocado toast
• Salad dressing
• Frozen fruit green smoothie
• Avocado brownies
• Chocolate avocado muffins
• Avocado hummus
• Baby food for your little one

Conclusion

Knowing how to freeze avocado chunks can be a game-changer when it comes to preserving this nutritious and versatile fruit for later use. By following the best method outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your frozen avocados maintain their quality and are ready to elevate your recipes whenever you need them.

So, whether you’re making guacamole, avocado smoothie recipes, or spreads, freezing avocado chunks the right way guarantees a convenient and delicious experience every time.

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