Why you SHOULD NOT store avocados in water in the fridge to prolong their life – after a “genius hack” took the foodie world by storm
- ‘Ingenious’ way to prevent avocado from browning has gone viral on social media
- It involves placing sliced or whole avocados in a jar of water to store in the refrigerator.
- But information about residual human pathogens suggests this trick is unsafe.
- The surface of an avocado in water can be an ideal environment for bacteria
Over the past few months, foodies have been lauding a seemingly “genius” method claiming to prolong the life of avocados.
The trick is to submerge half or a whole avocado in water and place it in the refrigerator so it doesn’t turn brown.
But general information about residual human pathogens suggests that hacking is not safe because it can create an ideal environment for harmful bacteria to grow and possibly lead to health consequences.
The trick of dipping whole or sliced avocados in water and storing them in the fridge has gone viral on social media. Gourmets have praised the seemingly “brilliant” hack that claims to prolong the life of avocados.
But general information about residual human pathogens suggests that hacking is not safe because it can create an ideal environment for harmful bacteria to grow and possibly lead to health consequences.
Unlike normal bacteria, residual human pathogens, including Listeria and Salmonella, thrive in the refrigerator and freezer.
Both listeria and salmonella are different types of horrific food poisoning that can have detrimental health effects.
These unwanted germs are most commonly caused by contaminated foods, according to Mayoclinic.
However, bacteria can live on the surface of an avocado and can potentially multiply if it is poured with water and then placed in the refrigerator.
Unlike normal bacteria, residual human pathogens, including Listeria and Salmonella, thrive in the refrigerator and freezer. However, bacteria can live on the surface of an avocado and could potentially multiply if they are doused with water and then placed in the refrigerator (file image).
Submerging a whole avocado in water is also unsafe, according to a study by the Journal of Food Poisoning in America.
“In addition, a study by FDA scientists showed that Listeria monocytogenes can enter and internalize the flesh of an avocado when immersed in refrigerated tanks for up to 15 days while stored in a refrigerator.
“In this case, even a superficial disinfection of the avocado skin before slicing will not be able to remove the contamination.”
To prevent bacterial growth on menopausal fruits, it is best not to store them in water and keep them in the refrigerator for no longer than a couple of days.
Last year, a nutritionist shared three additional ways to prevent avocados from browning.
Rebecca Hawthorne from Sydney, Australia said you can use lemon, olive oil, and even onion to stop nasty discoloration.
Sharing on her Nourish Naturally Instagram page, the popular content creator advised her fans to save the video for the next time they stock up on fruit because the methods work so well.
“Avocado browning is a natural chemical reaction called oxidation that occurs when a sliced avocado is exposed to atmospheric oxygen,” she explained.
“Although safe to eat, brown avocados are not very aesthetically pleasing and can taste a bit bitter,” she added.
Three ways to prevent your sliced avocado from browning:
– Squeeze lemon juice over half an avocado.
– Brush with olive oil
– Red Onion Avocado Shop
Source: Eat Naturally/Instagram
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