Can You Freeze Avocados?

There's a lot to love about avocados. They're creamy, mild, and filled with good-for-you fats. Avocados are also delightfully versatile, earning them a spot in everything from tacos to toast. All that being said, if the luscious green fruit (yes, fruit) is part of your weekly menu, you might end up with leftovers that you want to store in your refrigerator or even freezer—but can you actually freeze avocados? The short answer is yes, but there is a right way to freeze the fruit. Ahead, experts lay out the process for us.

Things to Consider

Although using fresh avocados will always be best, freezing them certainly has its perks. The key to getting it right is to consider several factors first. For starters, only ripe avocados should be stored in the freezer, because "once avocado is frozen it won't continue to ripen—even when thawed," says Ann Ziata, chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education.

Avocados that have been frozen and thawed aren't ideal for every dish. According to Traci Weintraub, founder and head chef at Gracefully Fed, freezing avocado fundamentally changes its texture, causing it to become softer and somewhat mushy. As a rule of thumb don't use frozen avocado in dishes "where the avocado texture is at the forefront, such as guacamole or salads," she adds.

How to Freeze Avocados

Whole avocados can become mushy after freezing and thawing. So, for best results, cut the avocado into slices or cubes before freezing. To slice avocados, "cut the avocado in half and remove the pit by gently working a spoon [underneath it]," explains Amanda Izquierdo, M.P.H., R.D., L.D.N., public relations and advertising manager at the Hass Avocado Board. Next, peel off the skin, cut the avocado flesh into slices or cubes, and brush with a bit of lime or lemon juice to help prevent browning. From there, place the avocado in a resealable plastic or silicone bag, and push out all of the air. This is a crucial step, as excess air will make your avocado brown more quickly, notes Weintraub. Finally, tightly seal the bag and place it in the freezer for up to one month, says Izquierdo.

It's also possible to freeze mashed avocado, though avocado in this form tends to brown quicker than its cut counterparts. Still, "pre-mashed avocado tends to blend more easily, so it can be useful to have on hand," says Weintraub. To freeze mashed avocado, start by mixing in a bit of lime or lemon juice to keep browning at bay. Scoop the avocado into an ice cube tray (with a cover, if possible), and place it in the freezer. "When the cubes are frozen, add them to a freezer-safe bag, remove the air, and [return it to] your freezer," she says. Mashed avocado will also keep in the freezer for about a month.

Ways to Use Frozen Avocado

Ideally, use frozen avocado straight out of the freezer. Try it in smoothies and hummus, where frozen avocado can be easily blended for extra creaminess and healthy fats, says Weintraub. It can also be added to chilled soups, says Izquierdo. Otherwise, frozen avocado takes about one hour to thaw at room temperature. Once thawed, the texture can be a bit grainy and mushy, so it's best for adding nutrients to baked goods like brownies, in which the texture will be less noticeable.