• When possible, preserve fresh, locally-grown avocados for the best quality and nutritional value.
• Know when fresh avocados are available in your state with this seasonal food guide.

• If this is your first time freezing or it has been awhile, it is recommended that you read General Freezing Information before beginning.  

1. Selection & Ingredients

• Select fresh, mature, soft avocados. Do not use fruit that show signs of decay or mold.
• Anti-darkening treatment:  
  • Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), lemon juice –or-
  • Commercial ascorbic acid mixture (follow manufacturer’s directions for treating fruit) 

2. Equipment

• Colander
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Ruler/headspace tool
• Use clean packing containers and materials that are moisture and vapor-proof/resistant:
• Rigid containers (glass jars and hard plastic containers) are especially good for freezing foods with liquid. Covers for rigid containers should fit tightly.
  • Square or rectangular, straight-sided rigid plastic containers make the best use of freezer space.
  • Wide-mouth, dual-purpose glass jars made for canning and freezing are tempered to withstand extremes in temperature and allow for easier removal of partially-thawed foods.
• Flexible bags or wrappings (plastic freezer bags, freezer paper or wrap) are best for freezing food products with little or no liquid.
  • Vacuum packaging removes more oxygen than other freezing methods (Refer to manufacturer's instructions.)

3. Prepare Equipment 

• Before use, wash containers in hot soapy water and rinse well. Dry.

4. Prepare Fruit 

• Wash avocado, skin still on.
• Peel soft, ripe avocados.
• Cut in half, remove put, mash pulp.

5. Pack

Unsweetened (Liquid) Pack-

• Add 1/8 teaspoon ascorbic acid to each quart of puree.
  • Can also add 1 tablespoon lemon juice for each 2 avocados.
  • If using commercial anti-darkening product, follow manufacturer's directions.
• Pack tightly into containers, leaving proper headspace for the container type (see Headspace table below).
• Before sealing, make sure sealing edges are free of moisture or food.
• If using flexible bags or wrap, remove as much air as possible.
• Seal.

6. Store

• Freeze packaged avocado as quickly as possible to 0°F or below.
  • For quickest freezing, place containers in single layer in freezer.
• Label with the name of food, date, and type of pack.
• Most fruits will maintain high quality for 8-12 months at 0°F or below.