Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch or dinner, avocados are a popular fruit choice in the UK.
They’re full of healthy fats and fibre, but Brits have to be quick to eat them before they turn brown.
According to one expert, their shelf life can extend their shelf life by up to two weeks.
Charles Haverfield, packaging manager for US Packaging and Wrapping, says how long the fruit first lasts depends on the state in which it was purchased.
The expert said: “Buying an unripe avocado will naturally take longer – if the avocado is still bright green, it will take about a week to ripen before you can eat it.
“A fully ripe, uncut avocado can last up to two weeks after purchase if stored properly.
“If you want to slow down the ripening and prevent the avocado from turning into a brown mess, refrigerate it to keep it firmer and fresher for longer.”
It is best to keep the fruit whole for as long as possible, like other fruits such as bananas and apples.
This is because they contain an enzyme in the fruit that causes it to oxidize and turn brown.
The pro stated, “Keeping the avocado in a warm, sunny place speeds up the ripening process. Be sure to test the avocado for firmness so it doesn’t overripe.
“You can also try keeping avocados in a fruit bowl with other fruits that release the ripening gas ethylene, such as bananas and apples.”
The best way to store fruit depends on how ripe it is and how soon you want to eat it.
If you have ripe fruit that you want to eat in the next few days, leave it on the counter away from bright light or heat.
The refrigerator is also a good storage method if you want to keep it fresh for a long time.
If you are storing sliced avocado, squeeze some lemon juice over it to keep it longer.
