The 5-Second Trick to Keep a Cut Avocado From Turning Brown

Avocados are delicious but can be a finicky fruit to store. We all aim for that sweet spot when an avocado is ripe and ready right when we want to eat one. But even if you chose an avocado at its peak, you might not use the whole thing at once. Then comes the real challenge: How do you keep leftover avocado fresh?

I can say from experience, that’s always easier said than done. Luckily, I’ve found a few ways to keep cut avocados from browning too fast—and the best one uses a common kitchen ingredient you probably already have.

Why Citrus Helps Keep Avocados Fresh

Oxygen is an enemy of cut avocadosbut citrus is a natural preservative. So that’s exactly what you will  need to keep a cut avocado from rotting. Lemon juice keeps the exposed avocado from browning because it is full of ascorbic acid. The oxygen reacts with the ascorbic acid before the avocado itself, according to the California Avocado Commission.

Lemons aren’t the only fruit you can use to preserve a cut avocado—limes work the same way. Think of how guacamole retains its bright green color when the recipe calls for lime juice. This process that preserves the dip works a similar way with leftover unmashed avocados.

How to Keep Cut Avocados Fresh

1. Before you put your halved or quartered avocado in the fridge, squeeze fresh lemon juice on the exposed surface.
2. Then, store the avocado cut side down against a flat surface to help the oxygen from getting to the flesh. Remove the seed to do this, if necessary. The seed only reduces the oxidation of the surface it covers; it does not have special properties that keep the entire avocado fresh.
3. Lastly, store the avocado in an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge until you need it. Your avocado will hopefully keep for a couple more days, but how long it lasts really depends on how ripe it is. While ascorbic acid does slow the oxidation process, it does not completely stop it, so give your fruit a good inspection before you dig in.