The Best Way to Keep Guacamole Fresh (2024)

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The Best Way to Keep Guacamole Fresh (1)

As guacamole fans know all too well, this lusciously creamy and delicious dip oxidizes—that is, it turns an unappetizing brown when exposed to air—remarkably quickly. Or, it does if proper precautions aren't taken.

Luckily, the acid in the lime or lemon juice called for in most guacamole recipes helps delay oxidation, but not enough so that you can make the guacamole ahead of time without it forming an icky-looking brown top layer. Many people recommend keeping the avocado pit in the guacamole until it's ready to serve, which does help a bit but only for a while.

So what's the solution?

The fool-proof method to keep guacamole green, even when it's made well in advance, is to simply cover it with plastic wrap. Sound simple? It is, but there's a trick to it. The key is simple: you need to press the plastic wrap directly and completely against the surface of the guacamole.

When stored this way, guacamole can be made ahead and stored in the fridge up to overnight with nary a brown spot in sight. Preparing for a party just got a whole lot easier.

Don't like to use plastic? No problem. Just use wax paper or parchment paper instead. Using these alternatives will require a tiny bit more effort – try cutting a circle out that will fit on the guacamole fairly accurately, but if you're not fussy, you can press it down and get most of it covered, sacrificing only the edges of the guac.

Tasty Guacamole Recipes to Try

Here are a few of our favorite ways to make guacamole:

Of course, the covering-the-surface trick works on any guacamole you happen to make or have (it works on leftover store-bought guacamole too!).

The Best Way to Keep Guacamole Fresh (2024)

FAQs

The Best Way to Keep Guacamole Fresh? ›

Make your guacamole, then place any uneaten dip in a resealable container. Place a piece of plastic wrap on the surface of the dip, lightly pressing all over to make sure the plastic is directly in contact with the entire surface of the dip. Store the guacamole in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

How to make guacamole last longer? ›

Pour a thin but visible layer of water or lemon/lime juice over the guacamole to form a barrier with the air. Cover the dish with plastic wrap, pushing the wrap, so it is flush with the guacamole to prevent air pockets, or put the guacamole in a sealed tub.

How long can you keep guacamole in the fridge? ›

From the second you crack open that avocado, it's a race against the clock before it goes brown. But with the right prep, you can make guacamole last in the fridge for three to four days. Planning on storing guacamole in the freezer? It should last for three to four months.

How does grocery store guacamole stay green? ›

But as every guac fan knows, the stuff has a tendency to look nasty in a hurry, a problem only compounded when the product is made in advance. Fortunately for Wholly, the brand had already pioneered a high-pressure process that removes all the air from the container, so the batch doesn't oxidize and turn brown.

How do you increase the shelf life of guacamole? ›

Add about a half-inch of water to the top of the guacamole. Make sure the water covers the whole surface of the batch. Put the lid or covering on the container, and store in the fridge for two to three days. When you're ready to enjoy your guac, gently pour off the water and stir before serving.

How do you make store guacamole better? ›

The first step to sprucing up your store-bought guacamole should be to transfer it from the plastic tub it came in into a mixing bowl. Give it a stir to make sure all the ingredients are well-combined. You can also squeeze some fresh lime juice into your bowl for more flavor and to prevent your guacamole from browning.

How do Mexican restaurants keep their guacamole fresh? ›

Squeeze enough lemon juice onto it. The browning is oxidation. The guacamole is reacting with the air. The best way to keep guacamole from turning brown is to add some type of citrus to the dip either lemon or lime juice not a lot around 1 small lime or lemon juice or immediately cover the dip with plastic wrap.

How does Chipotle keep their guacamole so green? ›

Each panned guac gets sealed airtight with Saran Wrap,” he said. “Then it gets lidded, labeled and stored for later use. This process ensures freshness and prevents browning,” he continued.

Does putting the pit in guacamole keep it fresh? ›

Some people swear by this one, so we had to put it to the test. The verdict: Contrary to popular belief, adding the avocado pit to guacamole does not prevent oxidation. In fact, if it sticks out above the surface, it creates air pockets that prevent the plastic wrap from adhering tightly enough.

How do you keep leftover guacamole fresh? ›

Make your guacamole, then place any uneaten dip in a resealable container. Place a piece of plastic wrap on the surface of the dip, lightly pressing all over to make sure the plastic is directly in contact with the entire surface of the dip. Store the guacamole in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Is it okay to freeze guacamole? ›

You can freeze guacamole for up to 3 months. So, if you have a good avo that's about to turn, mash it, mix it with guac ingredients (here's the full recipe), drizzle with oil and freeze for when you next need a creamy avo dip hit, or want to jazz up a mid-week Mexican dinner.

How to make homemade guacamole last longer? ›

In the past, my efforts to keep guacamole green and fresh overnight have always failed. I've seen many ideas for keeping guacamole fresh — Keep the avocado pit in the bowl! Press plastic wrap on top! Use more lime!

Why you should leave the lime out of guacamole? ›

You see, lime is a very strong acidic flavor and it can easily overpower the delicate flavor of the avocado. Instead, finely dice red onions and pickle them with lime juice for 15-30 minutes.

Can you freeze guacamole to make it last longer? ›

You can freeze guacamole for up to 3 months. So, if you have a good avo that's about to turn, mash it, mix it with guac ingredients (here's the full recipe), drizzle with oil and freeze for when you next need a creamy avo dip hit, or want to jazz up a mid-week Mexican dinner.

Why does guacamole go bad so fast? ›

"The flesh of the avocado oxidizes quickly — much like a cut apple — which changes the color. The addition of citric acid, like from lime juice in your guac can help delay this process but will not completely prevent it," she says.

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