How Do Restaurants Keep Avocados From Turning Brown?

Last Updated on October 5, 2022 by Lauren Beck

Avocados are a popular fruit that is used in many dishes, both sweet and savory. They are also a favorite topping for toast and sandwiches. While avocados are delicious, they can be difficult to work with because they turn brown quickly after being cut open.

Avocados are originated from Mexico and are excellent sources of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins. The problem with avocados is that they contain an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase (PPO) [1], which causes them to brown when exposed to oxygen.

There are a few different ways that restaurants keep avocados from turning brown. Read more to find out how!

Table of Contents

Why Do Avocados Turn Brown?

Avocados turn brown because of a chemical reaction that happens when the fruit is exposed to oxygen. This reaction is caused by an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase (PPO), which is found in the avocado’s flesh. When PPO comes into contact with oxygen, it causes a chemical reaction that creates melanin, the pigment that gives avocados their brown color.

This chemical reaction can happen quickly, which is why it’s important to take steps to prevent it from happening if you want to keep your avocados looking fresh.

Solutions for Keeping Avocados Fresh

Here are a few different solutions that you can use to keep your avocados from turning brown:

Store them in an airtight container: One way to prevent avocados from turning brown is to store them in an airtight container. This will help to keep oxygen away from the fruit and prevent the PPO enzyme from coming into contact with oxygen.
Wrap them in plastic wrap: Another way to keep avocados from turning brown is to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This will also help to keep oxygen away from the fruit and prevent the PPO enzyme from coming into contact with oxygen.
Treat them with lemon juice or vinegar: You can also keep avocados from turning brown by treating them with lemon juice or vinegar. This is because both of these liquids contain acids that can help to inhibit the PPO enzyme.
Store them in the fridge: Another way to keep avocados fresh is to store them in the fridge. This will help to slow down the PPO enzyme and prevent the avocados from turning brown as quickly.
Eat them right away: Of course, the best way to keep avocados from turning brown is to eat them right away! This way, you’ll never have to worry about them turning brown in the first place.

These are just a few of the ways that you can keep avocados from turning brown. Try out a few of these methods and see which one works best for you.

Will avocados ripen after being refrigerated?

Avocados will ripen faster at room temperature, but you can store them in the fridge to help them last longer. Just be sure to eat them within a week or so of storing them in the fridge, as they will start to turn brown once they’ve been refrigerated for too long.

How long do avocados last on the counter?

Avocados will last for about 2-3 days on the counter. After that, they will start to turn brown. If you want them to last longer, you can store them in the fridge. Just be sure to eat them within a week or so of storing them in the fridge, as they will start to turn brown once they’ve been refrigerated for too long.

Does onion keep avocado fresh?

Onion does not keep avocado fresh. In fact, it can actually make the avocado turn brown faster. This is because onion contains sulfur, which can speed up the Avocados’ natural browning process. If you want to keep your avocados fresh, it’s best to avoid storing them with onion.

Can avocados be stored in water?

No, avocados should not be stored in water. This is because water can actually make the avocado turn brown faster. Water can also cause the avocado to become mushy. If you want to keep your avocados fresh, it’s best to avoid storing them in water.

Can avocados be vacuum sealed?

Yes, avocados can be vacuum sealed. This is a good way to keep them fresh for a longer period of time. Just be sure to eat them within a week or so of sealing them, as they will start to turn brown once they’ve been sealed for too long.

How To Tell When an Avocado is No Longer Safe to Eat

Avocados are no longer safe to eat when they start to turn brown. If you see any browning on the outside of the avocado, it’s best to throw it away. Browning on the inside of the avocado is usually a sign that the fruit is overripe and not necessarily bad, but it’s still best to avoid eating avocados that are browning on the inside.

When in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and throw away any avocados that you’re not sure about. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food safety.

Conclusion

There are a few different ways that you can keep avocados from turning brown. Try out a few of these methods and see which one works best for you. Just be sure to eat them within a week or so of storing them, as they will start to turn brown once they’ve been stored for too long.

Reference:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27172067/

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Lauren Beck

Lauren Beck is a Food Science & Technology graduate, born and raised in NYC, but lived in Japan for more than eight years. Her love forAmerican food and Japanese culture led her to create Kitsune Restaurant. She loves taking walks with her dog - an American Akita she aptly named Hachiko. Learn more about us here or you can email us contact@kitsunerestaurant.com.