Sliced avocado will stay fresh without turning brown if stored with 1 item

Avocados are a staple item in many UK households and the fruit can be enjoyed in a variety of different ways, whether it's for breakfast, lunch or just a healthy snack.

One of the most popular ways to enjoy avocado is slicing it up and layering it on a piece of toast, before finishing it off with an array of different toppings. While it makes for a tasty dish, there's often plenty of avocado left over that will need to be stored away to eat another day. It's important to get the storage right or you'll find that your slices of avocado will quickly turn brown and mushy before you know it.

To avoid this problem, and to prevent food going to waste, experts recommend wrapping sliced avocado in cling film as this helps to slow down the browning process and keeps the fruit fresher for longer.

Avocados that have been cut are prone to browning due to a natural enzyme called polyphenol oxidase which reacts with oxygen, but this process can be prevented with proper storage.

But cut or mashed avocado will stay green for at least two days when wrapped in cling film as the plastic material limits the fruit's exposure to air, which is the primary cause of the browning. So by wrapping it tightly you're effectively giving it a sealed protective barrier, reducing the amount of oxygen that can reach the flesh.

Food website Food Matters explains: "If we're trying to prevent the oxidization of the avocado, cling film is a great choice. While it's not entirely foolproof, and the use of single-use plastic is a growing burden on the environment, it's a quick and easy option.

"Simply wrap the avo nice and tight (and that part is key) in the cling film of your choice. If you're looking for a more sustainable option, try a reusable beeswax wrap.

"It is important to mention that this method proves quite successful for keeping guacamole fresh for a longer time. When storing it, gently press the wrap down onto the surface of the mixture in a bowl or container to remove all of the air, and you'll have fresh guac for days."

It's also recommended that the wrapped avocado is placed inside an airtight container and put in the fridge, as the cold temperature helps the fruit stay greener for longer by inhibiting the enzymes that cause oxidation.

To help ensure freshness, you can also add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to your avocado before storing it as these fruits contain citric acid, an antioxidant that inhibits a natural enzyme in avocados called polyphenol oxidase, which is what produces the brown pigment when it reacts with oxygen in the air.

By brushing the avocado flesh with a layer of lemon or lime juice, this creates a barrier that helps to keep the fruit fresh and green, although it can slightly alter the overall flavour.

Experts at Real Simple add: "If the avocado is already sliced, your best course of action is to grab a food storage container. However, instead of using the corresponding top, cover the container with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap comes in direct contact with the avocado and there are no air pockets. This will help prevent oxygen from getting in and turning your bright green avo flesh brown."