If you've ever left guacamole leftovers in the fridge, you've probably noticed that the sauce tends to turn dark as the hours go by. The secret to avoiding it? Limit the contact between the guacamole and the air. In fact, the sauce begins to turn brown on contact with oxygen. You can keep the color intact by creating a protective barrier with sour cream, water or cling film.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Sour Cream
Step 1. Transfer the guacamole to a small bowl
The bowl should be the right size for the guacamole. Try not to leave more than 1.5cm of space between the sauce and the rim of the bowl.
Step 2. Smooth the surface of the guacamole with a spoon, trying to make it as flat and homogeneous as possible
This will make it easier to spread and then remove the sour cream from the surface of the guacamole.
Step 3. Spread a thin layer of sour cream on the surface of the guacamole
Spread it until the sauce is completely covered. The sour cream will create a protective barrier between the guacamole and the air, preventing it from darkening.
Step 4. Spread a sheet of cling film over the sour cream
Smooth it out until it adheres well to the surface. Wrap the extra plastic wrap around the edges of the bowl to seal it better. This will help keep sour cream fresh as well.
Step 5. Store the guacamole in the fridge
If you eat it the same day you make it, it will taste better, but the guacamole can stay fresh for up to three days.
Before serving, remove the sour cream, or mix it with the sauce to make it creamier
Method 2 of 3: Using Water
Step 1. Transfer the guacamole to an airtight container
Make sure there is about 3 cm of space between the sauce and the rim of the bowl.
Try to compact it as much as possible to prevent air bubbles from forming
Step 2. Smooth the surface of the guacamole
You can use the back of a spoon or a spatula. Make sure there are no bumps, waves or ripples left.
Step 3. Pour some lukewarm water, calculating a depth of about 1.5 cm
The water will create a protective barrier between the guacamole and oxygen, which is the element that darkens the sauce. Don't worry: the liquid won't be absorbed by the guacamole. Having a high fat content, avocados repel water.
Step 4. Put the lid on the container and place it in the fridge
The guacamole will keep fresh for up to three days.
Step 5. Remove the water before serving the guacamole
If necessary, stir it quickly to incorporate excess water into the sauce.
Method 3 of 3: Using a Clear Film
Step 1. Move the guacamole to an appropriately sized bowl
Try not to leave more than 1.5cm of space between the sauce and the rim of the bowl.
Step 2. Smooth the surface of the guacamole with a spoon trying to make it as flat and homogeneous as possible
This will make it easier to apply the transparent film to the surface and remove it later.
Step 3. Try sprinkling lime juice, lemon juice, or olive oil on the surface of the guacamole
This will create an additional barrier between the air (which darkens the guacamole) and the sauce. Plus, you'll make it even tastier.
Step 4. Spread a sheet of cling film over the guacamole
Put a sheet of cling film on the bowl. Smooth it out and press it over the entire surface of the sauce using your fingers. The film will create a sort of seal between the air and the guacamole.
Step 5. Wrap the remaining plastic wrap around the edges of the bowl
If desired, it is also possible to use a lid that adheres well to the container. Alternatively, wrap a rubber band around the edges of the container to secure the cling film.
Step 6. Keep the guacamole in the fridge until it's time to serve it
If you eat it the day you prepare it, it will taste better, but it can be kept in the fridge for up to three or four days anyway.
Advice
- Many recommend using avocado kernels to keep guacamole fresh. Unfortunately, however, the only part that will stay fresh will be the one that will come into contact with the core. The rest of the sauce will darken anyway.
- The guacamole darkens as the enzymes in the sauce react on contact with oxygen. You can still eat it, especially on the day you prepare it. However, if the dark part is bothering you, remove it with a spoon.
- You can also try using mayonnaise instead of sour cream. The flavors won't blend as well, but mayonnaise lasts longer than sour cream.
- Try covering the surface of the guacamole with thin slices of lime. Overlap them until the sauce is completely covered, then cover the bowl with cling film.
