Food storage
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Microwave hard cookies for 5-10 seconds, optionally wrapped in a damp paper towel or sprinkled with water, to restore softness.
This makes them hot and soft again.
- Microwaving sometimes increases hardness instead.
- Eat immediately after microwaving.
3 people, independently
Store a batch of unripe avocados in the refrigerator and remove one at a time to ripen at room temperature.
This creates a steady supply of ripe fruit as needed.
3 people, independently
Cover the entire surface of leftover guacamole with a thin layer of water to prevent browning, then pour off the water before eating.
The water creates an airtight seal against air; the fat in guacamole discourages emulsion with the water.
- Some users report this method never works for them.
- Others believe water wrecks the food texture.
3 people, independently
Put some rice in your salt shaker.
The rice stays in the shaker and absorbs excess moisture.
one person who lived it
Cover guacamole with a plastic bag to keep it green; adding ice on top is unnecessary and may hasten browning.
The plastic bag prevents oxidation, not the ice.
- One user reported that putting ice on top made it turn brown faster.
2 people, independently
Use white bread when storing it with cookies to prevent flavor transfer.
White bread prevents the cookies' flavor from changing.
one person who lived it
If avocado oxidizes, cut off a razor-thin slice of the brown layer rather than discarding the whole fruit, as it remains fresh underneath if used relatively soon.
The fruit is still fresh underneath the thin brown layer.
one person who lived it
Apply pineapple juice or another acid to cut fruit to protect it from oxidizing.
Acids help keep food from oxidizing.
one person who lived it
Wrap whole avocados in foil before placing them in the refrigerator.
This method appears to slow ripening and prevent browning.
one person who lived it
- Cover the exposed flesh of a partially used avocado with saran wrap to extend freshness.3