Uh Oh! That Popular Avocado Freshness Trick Going Viral on TikTok Could Lead to Salmonella
Are you tired of tossing out half-eaten, spoiled avocados? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with this issue, which explains the surge in popularity of a recent TikTok video demonstrating how to “save” your avocados. Like many online life hacks, it seemed like a brilliant idea when a TikTok creator suggested keeping a halved avocado submerged in water to maintain its freshness. Major outlets like Newsweek and Today even praised this clever tip. However, it’s crucial to recognize that not everyone on social media is a qualified expert — the FDA has issued a warning regarding this method. It turns out, it may not be as simple and safe as it appeared.
The FDA has clearly stated that this practice can pose serious health risks due to bacteria present on avocado skins. “The FDA does not recommend this practice,” the agency informed Newsweek. “The primary concern is that any leftover human pathogens (such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., etc.) on the avocado’s surface may multiply while it is submerged in water.”
Interestingly, this flawed advice isn’t exclusive to TikTok. The Avocados From Mexico website also suggests soaking your ripe avocado in water. Their instructions say, “Cut your avocado in half and fill a container with water. Place the avocado flesh-side down, cover it, and put it in the fridge. This will keep the avocado from browning for another two days.” Unfortunately, this hack is neither original nor safe.
So, what’s the best way to keep your avocados fresh?
With prices rising, avocados have become a costly item, making it essential to maximize their shelf life. While using an entire avocado in one go is ideal, many of us end up with leftovers. How can you preserve half an avocado for 24 or even 48 hours?
When it comes to avocados, the struggle is real — and you’re likely to encounter challenges. Your best strategy is to buy only what you can consume within a few days. If possible, purchasing food in smaller quantities ensures freshness and reduces waste. However, if you’re short on time, consider these alternative avocado-saving techniques:
- Prep Immediately: If your avocado is ripe, why not scoop out the remaining half? Add a splash of lemon juice and mash it up. Store it in a bowl with plastic wrap tightly pressed against the surface of the mash.
- Wrap It Up: Oxygen is the enemy of avocados. Coat the unused half with lemon juice or olive oil. Then, wrap it securely in plastic wrap to extend its freshness.
- Store with an Onion: According to EatingWell, keeping your avocado next to a sliced onion may slow down the browning process thanks to the onion’s fumes.
Keep in mind, while these tips can help prolong your avocado’s life, you’ll still want to enjoy it sooner rather than later.
For more insights on preserving your produce, check out this related blog post.
Summary
The trending TikTok avocado hack of storing halved avocados in water could lead to serious health risks, including salmonella, due to bacteria on the skin multiplying in water. The FDA has warned against this method, which is also echoed by Avocados From Mexico. Instead, consider alternative methods like immediate preparation, proper wrapping, or storing with onions to keep your avocados fresh.