Pear-shaped fruits with buttery yellow green flesh and a single large inedible stone. The two main varieties sold in the UK are the Forte, with a smooth green skin, and the Hass, which is usually smaller and has a brownish black knobbly skin.
Availability
Choose fruit that yields slightly to gentle pressure. Store at room temperature for a few days. To ripen, keep at room temperature.
How to prepare avocado
Cut the fruit in half lengthways and twist the two halves to release the fruit from the stone. The flesh will come away easily from the skin and will discolour quickly, so brush with a little lemon juice or vinaigrette to prevent browning.
Try avocado with prawns and mango salsa.