This Simple Trick Keeps Your Guacamole From Turning Brown Overnight

Isn't it disheartening how quickly a lovely bowl of guacamole can turn an unappetizing shade of brown? This is caused by a process called oxidation, and it's what happens when an enzyme in the avocados is exposed to air, according to Allrecipes.

The Spruce Eats points out that adding lime or lemon juice to your recipe not only gives guac the acidic punch it needs, but it also helps to combat the oxidation process. However, if you're storing your guacamole overnight, you'll need to do more to keep it that freshly-made green.

The way to keep your guacamole from oxidizing is to keep the air – all air — from touching it. The best way to do this is with plastic wrap. You'll have to do more than just cover the bowl, however. The Spruce Eats says the plastic wrap needs to cling to the entire surface of the guacamole itself, creating as complete a barrier as possible between the food and the air.

If you don't like to use plastic wrap, wax paper or parchment paper can be an effective way to keep the air out of your guacamole, says The Spruce Eats. You'll need to cut these papers, however, to fit the surface area of the guac. Once you've cut it to right size, press the wax or parchment paper into the guac so that it adheres to as much surface area as possible.

What should you do if you've made a big bowl of guacamole for a party and notice it has turned brown? Don't worry. It's still perfectly safe to eat, according to Allrecipes. Just take a spoon and scrape off the thin top layer. The guacamole beneath it will still be green.

Looking for some great guac recipes? We have you covered. You can try a copycat Chipotle guacamole recipe, or maybe consider a recipe with a fresh twist, featuring corn, vine ripe tomatoes, Spanish onion, limes, and cilantro.