When to source Hass & Shepard avocados
Knowing when to source Hass and Shepard avocados is the key to keeping your menu fresh, flavourful, and cost-effective.
Australian Avocados are grown in various regions and climates across Australia, meaning you can put them on your menu year round. There are eight main production regions, however most avocados are grown in North Queensland, Central Queensland and Western Australia.
In Australia, our climate blesses us with delicious avocados all year round. Hass thrives for most of the year, from May to January, while Shepard takes centre stage from February to April. Understanding seasonality will ensure you can enjoy avocados on your menu year round.
Hass: The Year-Round Performer
- Flavour: Rich and creamy.
- Texture: Soft.
- Suitability: Blending, mashing, scooping, even slicing & dicing.
- Peak season: May to January, with limited supply from February to April.
- Perfect for sweet and savoury dishes. They're the star ingredient for guacamole, smooth spreads and decadent dressings.
Shepard: The Green, Nutty One
- Flavour: Nutty and buttery.
- Texture: Firm and smooth. Shepard avocados hold their shape beautifully.
- Suitability: Slicing and dishes with precision - think salads and poke bowls.
- Peak season: February to April.
- Shepard avocados do not turn brown after cutting, giving you extra time to plate and serve without compromising on quality.
Year Round Supply
Leveraging the natural availability of Hass and Shepard avocados ensures you can have Australian avocados on your menu year round. Your dishes remain high quality while minimising costs and maximising flavour. With both Hass and Shepard, you've got all your bases covered, no matter what the season.
By keeping an eye on the calendar, you’ll always have the right avocado for the right dish - whether it’s a creamy guacamole or a perfectly sliced addition to your salads and mains.
