Avocado

The answer

A ripe avocado lasts 3–4 days in the fridge. Ripen firm avocados on the counter for 3–5 days first.

How long it keeps

Fridge (40°F) 3–4 days (ripe) safe window
Freezer (0°F) Purée only, 3–4 months best quality
Pantry 3–5 days to ripen OK stored right
Discard Discard avocados with sunken, moldy spots or a rancid smell.

By state & packaging

State Fridge Freezer
Firm, ripening on counter
Ripe, whole 3–4 days Purée only
Cut, wrapped 1–2 days Purée only
Guacamole, covered 1–2 days 3–4 months

Signs it has gone bad

Gray-brown stringy flesh throughout
Rancid or sour smell
Mold at the stem or on skin

FAQ

Is a brown avocado safe to eat?

Light surface browning is oxidation — scrape it off and eat the rest. Flesh that is gray-brown throughout, stringy, or sour-smelling should be discarded.