Avocados, the beloved fruit known for its creamy texture and healthy fats, have sparked a recent viral food hack on TikTok and other social media platforms. In these videos, halved avocados are shown submerged in bowls or containers of water, with the promise of perfectly preserved avocados. Find out how effective the hack is and what the FDA says about it.
Will Avocados Last Longer When Submerged In Water?
Yes to a certain extent. By fully immersing avocados in water, you create a barrier to prevent oxygen from reaching the fruit, which slows down the decay process. Additionally, water acts as a seal, preventing moisture from evaporating and helping to maintain the texture and taste of the avocados.
Why Do Avocados Ripen Fast?
Avocados ripen relatively quickly due to a combination of factors, primarily related to their unique biochemical composition and the gases they release during the ripening process. Here are some key reasons why avocados tend to ripen rapidly:
- Ethylene Gas Production: Avocados produce ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that acts as a ripening agent. When avocados release ethylene gas, it triggers a series of biochemical processes in the fruit that promote ripening. This gas not only affects the avocado itself but can also accelerate the ripening of other fruits and vegetables nearby.
- High Fat Content: Avocados are rich in healthy fats, primarily monounsaturated fats. These fats are stored in the avocado fruit and serve as an energy source for the plant during the ripening process. As the fruit ripens, these fats are broken down into simpler compounds, which contribute to softening and flavor development.
- Enzymatic Activity: Enzymes in the avocado, such as lipase and polygalacturonase, play a role in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates and cell wall components. This enzymatic activity contributes to the softening of the fruit as it ripens.
- Temperature and Humidity: Avocados are sensitive to temperature and humidity. Storing them at room temperature or in a warm environment speeds up the ripening process. Conversely, refrigeration slows down ripening, which is why many people store unripe avocados in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life.
Ripe avocados can be identified through several signs. A mature avocado will yield slightly when gentle pressure is applied. The color of the avocado’s skin will also change from dark green to a deeper shade of green or black. To determine the optimal consumption window, it’s best to check the texture and color, rather than relying solely on the date of purchase.
FDA warns against storing avocados in water
But hold your avocados! Even though the avocado food hack can extend its lifespan for a few days, it’s not worth the risk. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning against this practice, citing potential dangers associated with storing avocados in water.
In response to the viral food hack, the FDA has made its stance clear: storing avocados in water is not recommended. The primary concern lies in the potential multiplication of residual human pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp., that may be present on the avocado surface. The act of submerging the avocados in water creates an environment conducive to pathogen growth, raising the risk of contamination and foodborne illnesses.
Research on Listeria monocytogenes infiltration
Additional research conducted by FDA scientists has shed light on the potential infiltration of a specific pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes, into the avocado pulp when submerged in refrigerated dump tanks. The experiments found that Listeria monocytogenes have the ability to infiltrate and internalize into the avocado pulp within 15 days of refrigerated storage. This finding further reinforces the concerns raised by the FDA regarding the safety of storing avocados in water.
Ineffectiveness of surface disinfection
Surface disinfection is a common practice in food preparation to reduce the risk of contamination and foodborne illnesses. However, when it comes to avocados stored in water, surface disinfection is ineffective in removing contamination. The FDA warns that even if the avocado skin is thoroughly disinfected before slicing, the potential contamination that has infiltrated the pulp cannot be fully eliminated, posing a health risk to consumers.
Potential health risks
Consuming contaminated avocados carries the risk of foodborne illnesses. Pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. are known to cause serious health issues, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The FDA’s warning against storing avocados in water serves to protect consumers from the potential dangers of consuming contaminated avocados.
Other Drawbacks and Limitations
While submerging avocados in water can have numerous benefits, there are also potential drawbacks and situations where this method may not be ideal. Firstly, water submersion can lead to flavor dilution, especially if the avocados are left in water for an extended period. Secondly, this technique may not be suitable for avocados that are already overripe or showing signs of decay. Finally, submerging avocados in water may not be practical for those with limited refrigerator space or who require longer-term storage options.
Tips on How to Safely Extend the Shelf Life of Avocados
Extending the shelf life of avocados can help you enjoy them for a longer period without wasting the fruit. Here are some tips on how to safely extend the shelf life of avocados:
Buy Ripe or Unripe Avocados Based on Consumption Timeline. If you plan to use them within a day or two, buy ripe avocados. If you want them to last longer, choose firmer, unripe avocados.
Store Unripe Avocados at Room Temperature: Keep unripe avocados at room temperature until they ripen. Placing them in a paper bag with other ethylene-producing fruits like bananas or apples can speed up the ripening process. Once they reach the desired ripeness, move them to the refrigerator to slow down further ripening.
Refrigerate Ripe Avocados: If you have ripe avocados that you don’t plan to use immediately, place them in the refrigerator. Cold temperatures slow down the ripening process and can extend their shelf life by a few days.
Store Cut Avocados Properly: To keep cut avocados fresh, follow these steps:
- Leave the pit in one half of the avocado.
- Sprinkle lemon or lime juice on the exposed flesh to prevent browning.
- Seal the avocado halves in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
- Store them in the refrigerator.
Vacuum Seal or Freeze Avocado Slices: If you have excess ripe avocados that you won’t be able to use in time, consider slicing or mashing them and then vacuum sealing the portions to remove air. Alternatively, you can freeze mashed avocado in an airtight container or an ice cube tray. Frozen avocado can be used in smoothies or dips.
Use a Food Saver or Avocado Keeper: There are special kitchen gadgets like avocado keepers or food savers designed to help prolong the shelf life of cut avocados. These devices reduce air exposure and slow down oxidation, which can cause browning.
Check for Signs of Ripeness: To prevent overripening and spoilage, regularly check your avocados for ripeness. Gently press the skin near the stem end; a ripe avocado should yield slightly to gentle pressure. If it’s too soft or has brown spots, it may be overripe.
Plan Ahead: Buy avocados with varying degrees of ripeness so that you have some ready to eat now and others that will ripen later.
Share with Friends: If you have an abundance of ripe avocados that you won’t be able to use before they spoil, consider sharing them with friends or neighbors or incorporating them into recipes that can be stored for longer periods, such as guacamole or avocado-based sauces.
Conclusion
Submerging avocados in water can be an effective technique for prolonging their shelf life but it comes with a great health risk. Understanding the FDA’s stance on storing avocados in water is essential in making informed decisions about food safety. The potential risks associated with storing avocados in water, including the multiplication of pathogens and the infiltration of harmful bacteria into the avocado pulp, highlight the importance of following recommended storage practices. By considering alternatives such as refrigeration without water and implementing proper handling and storage tips, you can enjoy your favorite fruit while ensuring freshness and safety.