A fresh guide to Australian Avocados
Avocados are single-fruit berries, but are often thought of as vegetables due to their savoury taste. They are oval-shaped with smooth, buttery flesh and green or purplish-black skin. The two most common varieties grown in Australia are the Shepard avocado and the Hass avocado.
Where are Australian avocados grown?
Avocados are grown in all states of Australia, with the majority grown in Queensland, Western Australia and New South Wales.
To see when this variety is in peak season and Australian sourced, please view our Fruit and Veg seasonal calendar here.
How to pick
How to pick Shepard avocados
Shepard avocados don’t change colour with ripeness. To check if they’re ripe, apply light pressure to the top (thinner part) of the avocado in the palm of your hand. Don’t squeeze hard though as this will bruise the flesh. Soft avocados are ripe and ready to eat.
How to pick Hass avocados
Hass avocados change colour – from green to a dark purple-black – with ripeness, as well as becoming softer when ready to eat.
How to store
Store avocados at room temperature until ready to use. To speed up the ripening process, place them in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana. Once ripe, store them in the fridge for up to three days. If cut, squeeze over some lemon juice to prevent discolouring, then keep refrigerated in an airtight container.
How to use
Roughly mash fresh avocado for guacamole, chop it and add to salads, use it as sandwich spread, blend it into a smoothie or whip it into a dessert, such as a chocolate mousse.
Know your avocado varieties
Shepard
In season: February – May
Shepard avocados have smooth, glossy green skin that doesn't change colour with ripeness. They are rich and nutty in taste, with a buttery texture.
Hass
In season: May – February
Hass avocados have a rough, pebbly skin and change colour during the ripening process, from emerald-green through to purplish-black when ripe. Rich and creamy in taste, Hass is the most common variety of avocado.
Fun facts
- Unlike the Hass variety, Shepard avocados do not brown as much when cut.
- Avocados contain healthy monounsaturated fats, as well as fibre for a healthy gut*. They are also a source of folate and potassium.
**As part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Food saver tips
- To make your leftover avocados last longer, puree with some lime or lemon juice to prevent discolouring, then freeze in ice cube trays before transferring to an airtight container and storing in the freezer for up to three months. These cubes are great for adding to smoothies.