Arctic Aguacate: Frozen Avocado

One of my favorite breakfasts treats is sliced avocado on crispy toast. When avocado season comes to an end, I'm sad. I crave my favorite breakfast all year long and didn't realize that you can freeze avocados.

Aguacate is the native word for an avocado in Spain, El Salvador and Colombia. The majority of our avocados come from Mexico with the exception of the small percentage that is grown in CA. Legend has it that an early English description of “avocado” called it the “avogado pear,” leading to the misunderstanding of “alligator pear.” The fact that the shell of the fruit looks vaguely crocodilian doesn’t hurt. A very popular dish is New Orleans is alligator pear with lemon squeezed on top and hot sauce.

No matter what you call it, this delicious fruit freezes well if kept air tight.

Let's get started:

1) Wash the ripe avocado in cold water and dry well.

2) Hold the avocado in your hand with the smallest point at the top and the larger, rounded side at the bottom.

3) Gently insert a sharp knife into the tip of avocado where the stem was. Use caution to only insert the knife into the avocado and NOT your hand. (been there and done that)

4) Follow the curve of the avocado making a circle around the fruit.

5) When completely cut around, twist the two side of the fruit, revealing the large pit inside.

6) There are many ways to retrieve the pit. Experts will slap a sharp knife into the pit removing it one swift movement. For the novice, I recommend using a spoon and go around the pit.

7) Use a spoon and separate the flush from the skin of the avocado. Discard the skin.

8) Wrap the avocado tightly in plastic wrap making sure that you follow every curve of the fruit. If unsure, slice the avocado then wrap tightly in plastic wrap.

9) Place the avocado in a zip top bag. This double wrap will ensure that the air will not discolor or "freezer burn" the fragile avocado.

Properly stored, your avocado can last 3-6 months in your freezer. That should be enough time for you to get ready for the next avocado season.

There are so many wonderful and healthy way to use an avocado. The Green Blender states, "We know that avocados are a nutrient-dense fruit loaded with fiber, healthy omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, E and potassium. We also know that avocados are among the best foods to help fight stress due to their abundance of B vitamins. "

I like to use them for guacamole, smoothies, in puddings, cakes and I can go on and on. Anywhere where a smooth texture is desired, ditched the cream cheese and replace with an avocado. You may have to adjust the recipe a little but they are so worth it.

So when they go on sale, remember this blog and stock up. Let's fill everyone's freezer with an avocado.