Hass is back so it is time to get smashing

Smashed avo lovers, rejoice! Australian Hass avocados are officially back.

New season Hass avocados will smash their way back into Australians’ hearts from this week, with a solid supply of local avocados currently being picked and packed.

Australian Avocados Group Marketing Manager Matthew Dwyer said the return of Hass to stores is expected to be welcome news for many avocado lovers.

“New research by YouGov Galaxy found that more than half (53%) of Australians buy Hass avocados regularly or consider them their preferred avocado variety,” said Dwyer.

“No matter what the variety, avocados have a whole host of nutrients that can improve our diets, especially while we are spending more time at home.”

In fact, the unique combination of vitamins and minerals found in a single serve of avocado 1 can help keep your immune system fighting fit, boost energy, enhance brain power, build bone, aid gut health, support healthy skin and even put you in a better mood.

“We’re encouraging Aussies to make the most of the avocados that are available now to reap the health benefits of the nutrient-dense fruit, and also support local avocado growers,” said Dwyer.

Known for their pebbly skin that changes to a purple colour as they ripen, Hass avocados have a creamy texture that’s perfect for smashing, making them great for smashed avo, guacamole and in desserts and smoothies.

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Chef and cookbook author Luke Hines said avocados are much more than just a café and breakfast favourite, and can be used in every meal, drinks included, no matter what time of day.

“Adding avocados to meals throughout your day is such an easy way to add a flavour and nutrient boost. With their creamy taste and texture, I love making Hass into a creamy dressing, adding them into smoothies, and as good-old guacamole,” said Hines.

Avo Tip Time: For the perfect ripe Hass, gently press near the top of the fruit. If it’s ripe the avocado will give a little. If it’s not quite ready leave on the bench for 1-3 days. To keep a ripe avocado that bit longer, store the whole avocado in the fridge to maintain optimum
ripeness for 2-3 days. A cut avocado can also be sprinkled with lemon or lime juice and sealed in cling/beeswax wrap, or a sealed container, to prevent the flesh from browning.

Four ways you can celebrate the return of Hass and support local farmers:

1. Guac On: Everyone has a favourite guacamole recipe and with so many different ways to guac it up, now is a good time to experiment with your favourite guacamole combos. Get some inspiration from our Guac Trio recipe.
2. Broadband Brunch: While it may be difficult to see friends and family from afar at the moment, a virtual brunch via Zoom or Skype can be a fun way to re-imagine a sit-down brunch. The options are endless with avo on toast – enjoy avocados, egg and bacon as a classic favourite, or something a little more adventurous like Mexican corn and avocado.
3. Super Smoothies: Adding avocado to a smoothie will make it extra creamy with added goodness. Blend half an avocado with a banana, your milk of choice or coconut water, ice and honey for a morning boost.
4. Delectable Desserts: The creamy texture of a Hass avocado makes them an ideal substitute for dairy in both sweet and savoury dishes. Use avocado in place of cream or butter in your next brownie or cake mix.

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