Avocado - Each

Although it’s technically a fruit, the mild-flavoured avocado is also used as a vegetable.

Prepare them using a small, sharp knife. Run a blade all the way around the avocado, from top to bottom. Make sure you cut in till the blade meets the stone. Twist the two halves in opposite directions to separate them. To remove the stone, ease it out with a spoon or, using a firm, swift action, stick the length of a sharp knife into it and lever out. Avocado flesh discolours rapidly on exposure to the air: to prevent this, brush with lemon juice.

Avocados are best used raw, not cooked. Halve, stone and serve with olive oil and and balsamic vinegar or vinaigrette, or fill the hollow with prawn cocktail. Mash with tomatoes, garlic and chillies to make the classic Mexican dip, guacamole; or slice thinly with tomato and mozzarella drizzled with olive oil to make an Italian tricolore salad.