What is the average shelf life of an avocado leaf? How long do avocado leaves last in the pantry, refrigerator, or freezer? What is the best way to store avocado leaves to increase their shelf life? Find out the answers to these questions and more below:
Shelf Life of an Avocado Leaf
| Fresh | Ground | Dried | Whole | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pantry | Up to 7 Days | 3-4 Years | 3-4 Years | 3-4 Years |
The shelf life of this one-seeded berry depends on the way you store it. The reason behind this is avocados don’t have a sell-by date or expiration unless they are processed. It even doesn’t have a best-before date. You can conveniently use them within your sandwiches and salads. Usually, their sell-by date is the date when you purchase them. If you store them at room temperature, they can last for 3 to 4 days easily, and if you keep them in your fridge, then they can go on for 7 to 10 days. It is better to keep them in refrigerator to preserve the flavor and freshness.
Purchasing Avocado
If you are looking to buy avocados then make sure that they are ripe otherwise, they are going to taste bad. You must consume an avocado that yields to a slight pressure within a couple of days. However, if you are planning to use them a few days later then consider buying firm avocados. These avocados will be unripe and will take four to five days to ripe. Keep them at room temperature and then use them.
Storing Avocado
If you have cut an unripe avocado that you thought was ripe, then sprinkle some lime or lemon juice and place the two halves of the fruit back together. Cover it tightly with a plastic bag and put it in the refrigerator. It will cut down the ripening process of the fruits for the next two or three days. If you want to store a fully ripe fruit and don’t want to use it straight away, then store them in the refrigerator while keeping them in a plastic bag. They will stay well for another five to seven days.
Handling Avocado
Wash the avocado thoroughly. Make sure that you slice your avocado around the seed, lengthwise. Cut into the fruit until your knife reaches its seed. After that rotate the fruit with your one hand and keep holding the knife in your other. Then turn the avocado a quarter and cut the fruit in half lengthwise. Then rotate the fruit halves with both hands in opposite direction to separate the quarters. You can remove the seed from the center with the help of a teaspoon and to carve out the flesh of the fruit; you can use a dessert spoon.
Cooking Avocado
Whether you are whizzing up a smoothie and making guacamole; always ensure that you cut the fruit in half by using a medium to large cook’s knife. For the avocado lovers, you can eat a half of it by sprinkling some lime or lemon juice with your favorite seasoning. You can also use balsamic vinegar or paprika for some additional twist in the flavor. Spread the other half on toast for rich, cholesterol-free and velvety topping. You can use them in some salads and sandwiches. The flesh of brown avocados start to oxidize if you leave it out in the open instantly, so it is best to use it just before eating. You can also use the avocados in a variety of dips.