Lillian Kaskoutas says she's seen Shepard avocados critiqued as being hard, watery in flavour and not useful on "avocado-tok".
The chef, who lives and works on Gadigal land in Sydney and has worked with Avocados Australia, says despite the bad rap, the variety has its advantages.
"You wouldn't treat a waxy potato the same way you treat a floury potato. I like to look at it that way."
Given Shepard avocados are currently in season, and the ever-popular Hass avocado is not, you may be grappling with how to make the most of the less-favoured variety.
What is the difference between Hass and Shepard avocados?
Based in Naarm/Melbourne, Shane Schnitzler is the chairman of Melbourne/Naarm Fresh State and Fresh Markets Australia, and owns his own avocado business.
He says Shepard or "smooth-skinned avocados" are misunderstood because they're less common. The average consumer will only see them for a short period between February to April.
When it comes to flavour, dietician Karen Zoszak, who is based on Dharawal Country, in Wollongong, says the Shepard avocados are sweeter and milder than Hass, but both varieties have similar nutritional benefits.
Ms Zoszak says Shepard avocados are a great source of healthy fat. They are also low in carbohydrates, have little impact on blood sugar levels and are high in fibre.
Where do Shepard avocados work best?
The Hass avocado is great for mashing and "great for avo toast", but the Shepard is better for slicing and dicing, Ms Kaskoutas says.
Unlike Hass avocados, the Shepard variety also holds its colour well, she says.
"You can make a sandwich and the avocado is green for hours."
Ms Zoskas says this is ideal for presentation when they're used in open sandwiches or salads prepared ahead of time.
How can you tell a Shepard avocado is ripe?
As for the criticism that Shepard avocados never ripen, that could be to do with the colour, which doesn't change as it ripens.
Mr Schnitzler recommends pressing the neck of the Shepard avocado and when there's "a little bit of give" it's ready to eat.
When gently squeezed, a ripe Shepard "will be a little bit soft", Ms Zoszak says, but the variety is firmer than the Hass, so adjust your expectations.
How to help ripen Shepard avocados
If your household regularly eats avocados, Ms Zoszak recommends having a few Shepard avocados on rotation at home when they're in season. Hopefully, they'll ripen at different intervals.
Keeping avocados at room temperature and alongside bananas can speed things up.
"[Bananas] give off ethylene, which is a gas, which helps ripen the fruit," she explains.
Mr Schnitzler says those struggling with Shepards that are rubbery or failing to ripen are probably putting them in the fridge too soon.
"If people are a little more patient and let them ripen before they put them in the fridge — because a lot of people like their avocados cool — their eating experience will be a lot better."
