Avocados

Hass avocados offer a rich, creamy texture and flavour. These versatile fruits add a buttery touch to meals. Their pebbly skin darkens as they ripen. How to pick: choose avocados that are firm but yield gently to pressure when ripe. Skin changes from green to dark purplish-black. Avoid soft spots. How to store: ripen firm avocados at room temperature until soft. Once ripe, store in the refrigerator for up to five days. How to prepare: cut avocado lengthwise around the central seed. Twist halves apart, tap seed with knife to remove. Scoop out creamy green flesh. Ways to eat: enjoy hass avocados mashed for guacamole, sliced in salads and sandwiches, or on toast. They add creamy richness to smoothies and tacos. Cooking methods: grill, bake.