Consumed in guacamole, in a poke bowl, sushi… The avocado is the favorite exotic fruit of many people. The latter invites itself perfectly in many recipes by bringing them a sweet and pleasant flavor. However, there is one condition to respect: never use a metal knife. Explanations…
Avoid cutting the avocado with a metal knife
Everyone who loves avocado should know this. Using a metal knife to cut it into dice or thin strips is strongly discouraged. However, it is even a condition to be respected for successful avocado dishes. Indeed, using a metal knife accelerates the oxidation process of this fruit.
You probably know what happens to this fruit when you cut it in half. In just a few minutes… Yes, the phenomenon of oxidation. This browns the inside of the food. A stainless steel knife contains copper and iron, and these metals activate enzymes in the avocado that brown its flesh.
Explanations…
Now, cutting the avocado with a metal knife, thereby speeding up the browning process and spoilage of the avocado. A process called “oxidation”.
Indeed, this color change occurs when an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase contained in the flesh comes into contact with oxygen. This can be especially annoying when you want to store your fruit longer. Or, serve it in a dish a few hours later.
Moreover, there are several ways to proceed to slow down the oxidation process of this fruit. Read on!
Use a ceramic or plastic knife
Do you really want to keep the appearance of this fruit longer? It is therefore better to use a ceramic or plastic knife while you prepare your recipe. By doing this, you will be able to keep the freshness of your avocado longer. This even if it will require more time and effort.
Keep the core!
A particularly useful trick when you want to save the second half of the avocado. Indeed, before placing it in the refrigerator… Just leave the core in the remaining half and cover it with cling film.
By doing so, this fruit therefore remains intact since the main cellular structures are not exposed to oxygen.
Using lemon to slow down the oxidation of an avocado!
To prevent the flesh of the avocado from turning black… Lemon is the ideal solution. To do this, simply rub the part in contact with the air with a lemon. From now on, the citric acid contained in this citrus fruit will make it possible to slow down the process of oxidation while preserving the color of the avocado.
Complete this operation by covering the avocado with stretch film and then store it in the refrigerator for no longer than 2 days.
Brush the flesh of the avocado with olive oil
You do not want to find the taste of lemon in your dishes? No problem ! Opt instead for olive oil, this food is an excellent alternative to lemon.
By brushing the flesh, it will therefore create a sort of protective barrier preventing oxygen from penetrating inside and blacken the flesh. By applying olive oil, it is possible to keep the avocado in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 days.