Ripe avocados have a disreputably short shelf life. When cut, they will undergo enzymatic browning or start decaying after just a few hours.
This is the reason you need the avocado saver. It will slow down spoilage and browning till your next meal.
However, while this storage container works magic, finding an efficient and food-safe model isn’t easy.
In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of Avocado Savers, exploring their types, how they work, and the art of using them effectively.
Table of Contents
- What is an Avocado Saver?
- Types of Avocado Savers
- What is Avocado Savers Made From?
- How Does an Avocado Saver Work?
- Why Do I Need an Avocado Saver?
- Are Avocado Savers Safe?
- What’s the Cost of the Avocado Saver?
- Factors to Consider While Buying?
- How to Use Avocado Saver: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Conclusion
What is an Avocado Saver?
Avocado Savers are ingenious tools designed to combat the enemy of all avocado lovers: browning.
These devices aim to extend the shelf life of your avocados by creating a protective seal, keeping air out, and maintaining that luscious green hue.
Types of Avocado Savers
The main types of avocado saver are discussed below:
A. Silicone Covers
Silicone covers are flexible lids that snugly fit over your avocado halves, creating an airtight seal. They are reusable, easy to clean, and versatile for various avocado sizes.
B. Plastic Storage Containers
These containers are designed to cradle the avocado halves, limiting their exposure to air. They often come with a pit pocket, ensuring the pit remains in place and reduces surface area prone to browning.
C. Avo Huggers
Avo Huggers are silicone sleeves that wrap around the exposed avocado, hugging it tightly to minimize air contact. They come in different sizes to accommodate various avocado shapes.
D. Vacuum Sealers
Some advanced avocado savers utilize vacuum-sealing technology to remove air from around the avocado. By creating a vacuum, these devices significantly slow down the oxidation process.
What is Avocado Savers Made From?
Manufacturers use either food-grade plastic or silicone to make avocado keepers. Plastic avocado savers are often larger, tough, and easy to clean. This is the most common construction material for avocado keepers.
Silicone avocado savers flex effortlessly to fit on avocados with the most awkward shape. They have superb resistance to impact and scratches.
As well, food-grade silicone is safe and odorless. On the downside, silicone avocado savers can tear if overstretched.
How Does an Avocado Saver Work?
An avocado saver shields your avocado leftovers from oxygen, bacteria, and other elements that speed up browning and or rotting. For that reason, your avocado will live up to the next meal without issue.
As well, the avocado saver acts like a capsule protecting your avocado from bruising or getting squeezed during transit. On average, the container can only keep your fruit fresh for a maximum of 3 days.
Why Do I Need an Avocado Saver?
If you thought that an avocado saver was designed to slow down rotting and enzymatic browning, you were wrong. This kitchen appliance plays several other roles. Here are some fantastic benefits you ought to know:
It Shields Cut Avocados from Absorbing Odors.
Like many foodstuffs, a cut avocado can absorb odors from your fridge or any other item stored nearby. An avocado keeper locks your fruit tightly, thereby preventing it from sucking up scents and odors.
It Minimizes Oxidation
By closing your cut avocado in the airtight container or concealing the sliced part, oxidation, a process that occurs when the enzymes in the avocado are exposed to oxygen, will slow down. As such, your fruit will stay fresh till your next meal.
It Combats Bruising
If you carry your sliced avocado, maybe to work or an event, then keeping them in an avocado saver would be the best way to combat bruising, squeezing, and crushing. The container will form a protective capsule to safeguard your fruit.
It will Save Money.
An avocado keeper will save your precious dollars in two primary ways. First, it will keep your fruit fresh for a long, thereby minimizing waste. Second, it will save you from using one-time use of cling films or aluminum foils.
Are Avocado Savers Safe?
While plastic can leach Phthalates, BPA, and other toxic compounds into your food, the type used in top-rated avocado keepers is ultimately safe. They are free of the compounds that could contaminate your avocado.
However, since some less reputable manufacturers can use cheap plastic, we propose that you buy from respectable manufacturers. That way, you will never run the risk of using a potentially harmful avocado saver to store your avocado.
Before buying any unit, make sure that it is FDA-approved, Phthalate-free, Food safe, or BPA-free. Using non-food-safe avocado keepers can expose you to detrimental health effects.
What’s the Cost of the Avocado Saver?
While they are so critical, these appliances aren’t expensive. You can get a safe, durable, and easy-to-clean avocado hugger for as low as $8. The price tags depend on the brand, size, and extras that come with the avocado saver you are eyeing.
For example, keepers that come along with a scooper or a cutter tend to be more costly than their rivals, which come as a single piece.
Similarly, large-size avocado keepers are often more expensive than small-size units.
You can check the latest price here.
Factors to Consider While Buying?
Size
An avocado saver’s size determines the size of avocado it can accommodate.
So, if you usually stock large avocado varieties, look around for a unit with a generous interior. Otherwise, it won’t accommodate your fruit.
Budget
Like any product, avocado huggers have varying price tags. Some are costly, while others are very affordable.
While the budget will always edict your closing choice, it is sensible to make your buying decision based on an avocado hugger’s value rather than its price tag.
Cleanability
Since your avocado saver is likely to get soiled after each use, we propose that you get one that is easy enough to clean.
As a rule, a good avocado keeper should be free of sharp corners and crevices that can complicate cleaning. If you are not a fan of hand-washing items, look around for one that is dishwasher-safe.
How to Use Avocado Saver: A Step-by-Step Guide
Using an avocado saver is not a tough task but you need to be careful while using it. Here is a step-by-step guide to follow.
Step-1: Choosing the Right Saver
Select an Avocado Saver that matches the size of your avocado. Whether it’s a silicone cover, storage container, or Avo Hugger, a snug fit is crucial for effective preservation.
Step-2: Properly Store Avocado Halves
Place the cut avocado halves in the chosen saver, ensuring that all exposed surfaces are covered. If using a storage container, make use of the pit pocket to keep the pit intact.
Step-3: Tips for Optimal Results
For added effectiveness, consider brushing the exposed avocado flesh with a thin layer of citrus juice. The citric acid helps inhibit browning.
Step-4: Tricks to Slow Down Browning
Store your avocado saver in the refrigerator to further slow down the oxidation process. The cool temperature helps maintain the avocado’s freshness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Be careful to avoid these mistakes.
Neglecting to Remove the Pit
If your avocado saver has a designated pit pocket, ensure the pit is in place. This helps maintain the avocado’s structure and reduces browning.
Overlooking Proper Cleaning
Regularly clean your avocado saver according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lingering residues can compromise the effectiveness of the seal.
Using Damaged or Ripe Avocados
While an avocado saver can slow down the browning process, it’s not a magical solution. Begin with fresh avocados, and use the saver promptly after cutting.
Conclusion
A good avocado saver should be spacious enough to hold your cut avocado, and its construction should hold up well. Likewise, a good unit should be easy to clean and free of all noxious chemicals that could contaminate your delicacy.
If you’re tired of dealing with browned avocados, investing in an avocado saver is a small step that can make a big difference. Try it out and savor the freshness of your avocados for longer periods.
Never waste your avocado halves!
