Can You Freeze Guacamole?

You’d surely agree that guacamole is the best part about Tacos which aren’t really complete without it. It’s even better if you have this one-of-a-kind dipping at hand when you need it, but how to store up the leftovers and can you freeze guacamole?

And, even if you store it, can you keep it fresh and tasty until you’re ready to use it? Can you freeze it?

Can You Freeze Guacamole?

The answer is yes, you can. But, there are a few things to know about freezing your guacamole the right way so that it stays tasty without turning brown when you want to use it.

Many of us don’t know how to store guacamole properly. Somehow, it always turns brown or separates within hours of storing it in the fridge. It should be simple, yet it’s not.

So, how to store your guacamole properly in order to enjoy it later?

Before giving you step-by-step instruction on how to store it in the fridge and freezer, let’s find out why does it turn brown?

Why Does Guacamole Turn Brown?

As you already know, guacamole is made of avocados which are very hard to stay green. Once they are cut open, the meat discolors quickly and turns brown. The same thing happens with guacamole. It easily turns brown no matter the lime juice or other ingredients it contains.

The avocado is not the only food that turns brown quickly. This happens to many fruits and vegetables like apples and potatoes.

The reason why they turn brown is oxygen. Avocados contain a specific enzyme which makes it discolor when touched by oxygen or air. Even though the top layer discolors, what’s underneath is still green and delicious.

This enzyme getting in contact with air is the reason why your guacamole turns brown.

How to Prevent It from Turning Brown?

Although you can remove the top brown layer, stir the mixture underneath, and use it, there are a few things you can do to help prevent it from browning in the first place:

• Use lime or lemon juice to coat the top layer of your dip without stirring it. Whenever you’re ready to use your guacamole, just dump off the juice and it’ll have the same taste as before.
• Wrap your guacamole with a plastic wrap to protect it from oxygen and then seal it in a container that will be stored in the fridge or freezer. In this way, you’ll prevent the guacamole from getting in direct contact with oxygen.
• Pool water on top of your dip without stirring it in, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Dump off the water whenever you like to use your guacamole.

The most effective ways to prevent your guacamole from browning are the water and lime juice pooling methods. Still, you may want to try any of these tips to see what works best.

How to Store Guacamole in the Fridge?

Storing your guacamole in the refrigerator is a good idea as long as you plan to use it within two to three days. Make sure you keep in mind the tricks for preventing it from turning brown.

Here’s how to store your favorite dip in the fridge:

• Make sure your guacamole is protected from open air. This can mean sealing it in a bag or double layering for storage. Use the brown-fighting techniques.
• Put your dip in an airtight storage container. Stir it and flatten your guacamole into one single layer.
• Pour ½ inch of water on top of your dip without stirring it.
• Use plastic wrap to seal it.
• Cover the container with an airtight lid for double sealing.
• Store it in the fridge for up to three days.
• When you like to use your guacamole, remove the lid, the plastic wrap, and the water on the top.
• Finally, stir it and serve it.

How to Freeze Your Guacamole?

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to store your guacamole in the freezer:

• You can use an airtight storage method. Even though you don’t have to worry about your dip turning brown in the freezer, you can still use some lime or lemon juice just in case.
• Use a heavy-duty freezer bag to store your guacamole.
• Flatten out and spread your guacamole evenly through the bag so that maximum air is released.
• Add a tiny amount of lime or lemon juice at the top.
• Once again, release as much air from the freezer bag as you can and seal it tightly.
• Don’t forget to label and date the freezer bag.
• If you store your guacamole this way, you can keep it up to four months.  

How to Use It After Freezing?

Let your dip thaw out or defrost before using it. Do not microwave it unless you must use it right away.

The best way to prepare it for usage is to allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge. In this way, the guacamole will stay cool and maintain the properties. When you like to use it, pour your guacamole in a bowl, drain off any moisture, and stir it.

However, if you need to use it immediately, microwave it slightly without letting it get warm. Microwave your guacamole just so that it can defrost, but let it stay a bit icy.

What About Refreezing?

Once your guacamole has thawed, don’t try to refreeze it again. The guacamole can turn brown, but you can use some of the anti-browning techniques to protect it until the next use.

Conclusion

Guacamole is one of the most challenging foods to store for future use. It can quickly turn brown due to the presence of a specific enzyme in avocados that turns the meat brown upon getting in direct contact with air.

The good news, however, is that you can freeze it and use it later while using a few techniques to prevent it from browning and separating. They include using some lime or lemon juice, plastic wrap, airtight container, and water.

Follow these tips and you can enjoy your guacamole days and even months later.

from Recipefairy.com https://ift.tt/2P29pHt
via New Kitchen Special