Get Menu Ready for Shepard Avocado Season
Shepard avocados are in season from February to April, meaning your kitchen can offer high quality Australian Avocados on menus year-round.
Understanding how Shepard avocados perform in the kitchen will help you plan menus, prep more efficiently and maintain quality and consistency of dishes throughout the season.
What Makes Shepard Avocados Different?
Shepard avocados are famously Australian and known for their vibrant green colour adding excitement to any dish! Shepard avocados stay green even when ripe, unlike Hass avocados.
They're a favourite in professional kitchens for a key reason, they don't brown when cut. That means more flexibility during prep, service and plating, without compromising presentation.
Flavour Profile
Shepard avocados have a mild, clean flavour with unique nutty notes, making them extremely versatile on menus.
Shepard avocados particularly:
- Compliment proteins without overpowering them
- Work well with both fresh, acidic flavours and richer elements
- Act as a supporting ingredient or a clean base for sweet and savoury dishes
Texture & Kitchen Performance
Shepard avocados are known for their smooth, firm flesh, which holds its shape beautifully. This makes them ideal for dishes where structure and visual appeal are key, and because of their versatility they can be used across breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Shepard avocados are great for:
- Slicing and dicing
- Salads and bowls
- Sushi and sandwiches
- Garnishes and precision plating
For high-volume venues and kitchens where consistency and presentation matters, Shepards are a reliable g0-to.
Ripeness: What to Look For
Shepard avocados stay bright green as they ripen, so colour is not a reliable indicator.
Instead use the neck test: a gentle press near the steam tells you when it's ready. If it gives to gentle pressure - your Shepard avocado is ready to slice, dice or smash!
