In the world of fruit rivalries, the debate between Shepherd and Hass avocados can divide a nation, especially in Australia, where avocados are not just a food but a cultural icon.

The latest skirmish in this ongoing battle has seen supermarket giant Coles come under fire for what some call a 'sneaky' fruit label tactic.

But is it really a case of subterfuge, or just a misunderstanding?

The controversy began when an eagle-eyed shopper took to the internet to express their outrage over what they perceived as an attempt to pass off the less popular Shepherd avocados as their more beloved Hass counterparts at Coles.

The shopper posted a photo of an avocado bearing a generic label from the supplier, Green Skin Avocados, titling the post ‘I see through your feeble attempt to rebrand the Shepard avocado’ in an apparent dig at either the supermarket or the supplier.

‘Spotted in Coles today. The worst season of the year,’ she added.

An eagle-eyed shopper spotted something in a bunch of avocados at a Coles. Can you tell what? Image Credit: Reddit

The post quickly became a rallying point for avocado enthusiasts, with many voicing their preference for the Hass variety and their disdain for the Shepherd.

Comments ranged from complaints about the Shepherd's firm, rubbery texture to jokes about their seemingly eternal ripening time.

'The worst six weeks of the year,' lamented one user, while another quipped, 'Mine from last season will be ripe any day now... any day now.'

One commenter zeroed in on what appears to be the source of the shopper’s confusion: they might have thought the ‘Green Skin’ sticker meant the avocados were being marketed as a new variety.

‘Green Skin is the name of the packhouse that sells the avocados to Coles/Woolies,’ they pointed out.

Coles and Green Skin Avocados have yet to comment on the matter.

Label confusion aside, what's the fuss about avocados?

The Hass and Shepherd avocados are indeed different, and aficionados have strong opinions about each.

The Hass is the more common variety in Australia. It is prized for its pebbly skin that turns from green to purple-black as it ripens, its creamy texture, and rich taste.

The Shepherd, available only for a short period each year, has smooth, glossy green skin that stays green when ripe. It is known for its nutty flavour and buttery texture.

For those looking to pick the perfect avocado, whether Hass or Shepherd, there are a few tips to keep in mind.

For Hass avocados, look for a dark green to purplish-black colour and a slight softness when gently squeezed. The stem should be intact and slightly indented.

For Shepherd avocados, seek out a bright green colour, firmness to the touch, and similarly intact stem.

If you've brought home an unripe avocado, don't despair.

Australian Avocados suggests storing it at room temperature until it reaches the desired ripeness.

To hasten the process, place the avocado in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana for a couple of days.

Once ripe, a whole avocado can be kept in the fridge for two to three days to maintain its ripeness.

And if you've cut into your avocado, prevent browning by sprinkling it with vinegar or lemon juice, wrapping it in cling film, and refrigerating.

You can also turn it into a quick smashed avo spread as one online personality did, which keeps it 'fresh for up to a week.'

While the label incident at Coles may have been a false alarm, it highlights the passion Australians have for their avocados and the importance of clear labelling.

As consumers, it's always wise to stay informed and vigilant about the products we buy. And perhaps, during these contentious six weeks of Shepherd season, we can take the opportunity to explore other breakfast delights—like the classic dippy eggs with soldiers—while we wait for our beloved Hass avocados to return to the shelves.

Key Takeaways

• Shoppers are upset with Coles for what they perceive as an attempt to mislabel Shepard avocados as a different variety.
• An image posted on Reddit shows a sticker on an avocado that, while seemingly generic, was called out for potentially misleading consumers.
• The Shepard and Hass avocados are distinctly different, with shoppers preferring the Hass variety for its creamy texture and the ability to tell when it's ripe by colour change.
• There are tips for selecting and ripening avocados, including storing them at room temperature or in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana to accelerate the process.

So, next time you're at Coles or any supermarket, keep a keen eye on those avocado labels.

Remember, whether you're team Hass or team Shepherd, the most important thing is to enjoy the delicious, healthy fruit that has become a staple in our diets.

Share your avocado stories with us in the comments below—have you ever been duped by a label, or do you have a foolproof method for picking the perfect avo? Tell us below!

 

[jojo3241]

If you're like me, I only eat a portion of an avocado at a time.
The trick to stopping your cut avo from going brown is to add a few drops of olive oil to the cut area and spread it over the entire cut.
Then use your cling wrap.
Guaranteed to keep out oxidation no browning or discoloration

 

[Toyo]

Much prefer Shepherd avocados to Hass any day of the week keep better and not so many brown spots from people bruising them when checking to see if they're ripe.

 

[Wandiwa]

If you're like me, I only eat a portion of an avocado at a time.
The trick to stopping your cut avo from going brown is to add a few drops of olive oil to the cut area and spread it over the entire cut.
Then use your cling wrap.
Guaranteed to keep out oxidation no browning or discoloration

I use lemon juice, works ok, gonna try the olive oil next time.

 

[Phantom55]

I use lemon juice, works ok, gonna try the olive oil next time.

try leaving the seed in the half that you dont use and cover with film and into the fridge

 

[DEL boy]

Try testing by using the thumb on the top not squashing the side!!!