Brought to you by Woolworths

Most people would agree that few things beat a beautifully ripe avocado. However, that window of golden opportunity to get perfectly ripe, rich, creamy flesh is sometimes frustratingly small. We get some expert advice from a product developer and a supplier to understand what makes a perfect avocado, from where and how it’s grown to how it’s packaged and distributed. Then, a chef shares some tips on how home cooks can make the most of avocados.  

Paradise farmed

The avocado is a subtropical species requiring a climate without frost, little wind and well-aerated soils – and the lush, rolling sub-tropical hills around Tzaneen in Limpopo is where the expert growers and scientists of Westfalia Fruit nurture the orchards that bear the creamy fruit. A National Heritage Site, the original Westfalia Estate strives to balance indigenous forest, sustainable agriculture and forestry, and also runs health, education and social projects for the local community. 

GEM^® of a find!

South African avocado lovers are well acquainted with two main varieties – the thinner, green-skinned Fuerte and the darker, thicker-skinned Hass avocados. However, Woolworths is now the exclusive supplier of Westfalia’s newly cultivated GEM^® avocado, which is currently coming into season. GEM^® is a unique avocado with a gold-flecked skin and creamy, buttery flesh. Larger than a regular avocado and with a slightly nutty flavour, the relatively thick skin of this gourmet fruit allows the flesh to be easily scooped out. 

Harvesting and ripening 

After pollination and fertilisation, the avocados are on the trees for approximately eight to 12 months before harvesting. Being climacteric fruit, avocados also ripen when they have been harvested. They’re carefully harvested by hand, using long picking poles to reach and catch fruit on higher branches. Picked avocados are cleaned, sorted for size and quality, and then carefully selected so that they are at their peak for sale. Careful ripening and hygienic packaging processes ensure they reach Woolworths’ shelves at just the right level of ripeness.

Woolworths pioneered the concept of ripe-and-ready avocados many years ago and product developer Merle Harrison confirms that their perfectly ripe-and-ready avocados remain a firm customer favourite. 

If you’re unsure about how to store your avocados, Merle suggests you follow this simple rule of thumb: “If it was stored in a fridge in the shop, keep it in the fridge at home!” Storing previously refrigerated avocados in a fruit bowl on the countertop is a no-no; room temperature will hasten the ripening process and could cause browning. Unripe fruit that needs to ripen at home can be placed in a paper bag and stored in a dark place until it reaches the desired ripeness. This process can be hastened by adding a ripe banana to the bag. Bananas emit a natural gas called ethylene, which triggers ripening in fruit. But don’t forget about them – check progress daily. Perfectly ripe avocados should be kept in a refrigerator for freshness and used within four days.

And if you’re wondering how to know when an avocado is ripe, Merle says: “Test whether an avocado is ripe by cupping it in the palm of your hand. If the avocado is ripe, it will ‘give’ to gentle pressure. Never squeeze the avocado, in store or at home, as this can cause cell damage that will lead to premature browning.”

Tips from a chef – how to make the most of avocados at home

Mexican cuisine is known for its love of avocados, so we got some tips from executive chef Justin Barker at Cape Town’s Hacienda on how you can get the best out of avocados at home.

 

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As we all know, avocados can be temperamental. Justin recommends storing perfectly ripe fruit in the coldest part of your fridge, and to never pack them tightly in or around other vegetables, as the cold air should circulate around the avos, ensuring the flesh stays greener for longer. Four degrees is your best bet.

Once cut, the flesh will not keep that bright green colour. Keep the stone in and drizzle the exposed flesh with a little lemon juice to prolong freshness for up to a day.

Waste not, want not

If, however, you find that your prized avocados have gone over to the dark side literally overnight (it happens!), fear not: this versatile fruit can be still be used in a myriad creative ways. Freeze chunks of avocado to add to smoothies – they add a great silky texture and creaminess. Or use them in this satisfying sugar-free brownie recipe. They also make a delicious pasta sauce with a vibrant flavour and visual punch, and a cold avocado soup makes a delicious light lunch on a hot summer’s day. 

Do these ideas have you in the mood for avocados? Shop Woolworths range of avocados now.

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