A SINGLE avocado variety has scored its own festival with the aim of boosting awareness and consumption this season.
There weren't any music tents and showbags though; just a specially tailored menu featuring Shepard avocados.
The "For the love of Shepard Avocado Festival" which ran from March 14 to 27 was an initiative of Australian Avocados which partnered with iconic Sydney café, Cuckoo Callay, creating a limited-edition menu to celebrate the start of Shepard avocado season.
The limited-edition menu items during the For the Love of Shepard Avocado Festival included creative names and descriptions such as:
- You're everything I avo wanted: Shepard avo French toast, Shepard avocado mascarpone, lemon meringue, lemon curd and caramelised white chocolate topped with Shepard avocado ice cream;
- You're the avo to my toast: Sliced Shepard avocado, vegemite dukkah and a slice of sourdough;
- Move in the ripe direction: Sliced Shepard avocado, salmon gravlax, avocado goat cheese and pickled beetroot served on a toasted bagel.
- Avo good one: Tuna ceviche, Shepard avocado flower, grapefruit, fennel, herbs and coriander served with a lime dressing
New research in February this year by Pureprofile on behalf of Australian Avocados which sampled 1000 Australians, showed 69 per cent of Australians admit to being unaware of Shepard avocados' qualities.
With this in mind, each of the new menu items highlighted the variety and its versatility to encourage Aussies to enjoy a Shepard avocado this season.
RELATED READING
As one of the main varieties of Australian avocados, the Shepard boasts several qualities such as having a nutty flavour and being less likely to oxidise or discolour once they are cut open.
The Shepard season runs from February to April.
The research also showed 66pc say they would try to replicate an avocado recipe at home from a cafe, restaurant, or food publication.
Respondents also said they would be eager to experiment with Shepard avocados to create sweet delights like smoothies (27pc), fudge brownies (25pc), chocolate mousse (25pc) and caramelised avocado pancakes (21pc).
With this in mind, Cuckoo Callay also created a digital step-by-step recipe guide to help inspire home kitchen creativity.
Hort Innovation head of consumer marketing Gillian Reilly said Shepard avocados were unique and versatile.
"They have a beautifully smooth yet firm texture and nutty taste which gives endless opportunities to experiment," Ms Reilly said.
"The cafe scene is a huge part of Australian culture and something that Aussies have been missing.
"This Shepard season, we're celebrating taste and togetherness, something Australia does best."
Cuckoo Callay executive chef Oliver Hughes said Shepard avocados can be used with both savoury and sweet dishes.
"So we have been able to create some incredible and delicious dishes with a twist," Mr Hughes said.
Avo-loving Aussies are also being encouraged to share photos and videos of their favourite Shepard avocado recipes and tag @AustralianAvocados and @CuckooCallay on Facebook or Instagram.
