This week, we will transition from the black when ripe Hass avocados to Shepard avocados. These are a green skinned variety and won't change colour. A gentle squeeze that has some give in it will tell you when they are ready to eat. Like all tropical fruit, they are best out of the fridge, only refrigerate when ripe and then only for a day or two.
Unlike the Hass variety, Shepard's only grow in tropical North Queensland and are the main avocado on sale from now until mid-April. In total, they represent about ten per cent of Australia’s avocado crop. They are the first avocado of the year and have a nutty flavour and buttery texture. The old season Hass will still be in some shops this week, but this is the time when they start to cut black so look for the green skins. Shepard's are easy to distinguish from unripe Hass as they are much longer and more elongated and will be a more reliable option than the Hass variety. One thing I really like about this avocado is that when you cut them they don't go brown.
HOW TO PICK
Shepard’s don’t go black on the skin as they ripen, you must judge the ripeness by the feel of the fruit. Pick avocados which give gently when pressed on the top end.
HOW TO STORE
Store unripe fruit at room temperature. Once ripe, store in the fridge.
