Any avocado fan knows the perils that come with trying to slice open the skin and scoop out the pit. When you're using a sharp knife, it's dangerously easy to slice your hand instead of the fruit. Avocado hand, as the injury has been penned, can land you in the hospital—quite possible with a giant gash that needs stitches.
Tesco, a British grocery chain, launched a new avocado this fall that may be the solution to the avocado hand predicament. According to a press release, EasyAvo is the "world's first ever avocado that easily pulls away from its skin once cut in half." These particular avocados are grown in South Africa, and developed by Westfalia Fruit, a key supplier for Tesco.
EasyAvo is a "naturally grown hybrid of different avocado varieties," and was brought to the UK by a team that works closely with avocado growers at the source, per the press release.
The difference between an EasyAvo and a normal avocado (aside from an EasyAvo being double the price) is the skin. It's thicker and has a corkier consistency, "which gives it an almost shell-like appearance when compared to other popular varieties like Fuerte and Hass," the press release notes.
As the EasyAvo ripens, moisture loss occurs, and the thicker, corkier skin separates easier from the flesh of the avocado "compared to the thinner and more pliable skin of a Fuerte or Hass", according to Tesco avocado buyer, Laura Marsden Payne. The Washington Post points out that avocado skin isn't causing injuries, but rather the pit—so, according to the outlet, "It's unclear how an easier-to-peel skin would prevent injuries." The Post asserts that such a skin "could possibly make the avocado even more slippery, leading to more lacerations." Let's hope not!
In any case, an easy-to-peel avocado sounds lovely simply for the convenience factor. Unfortunately, the EasyAvo isn't yet available in the U.S., the company that grows them (Westfalia Fruit) told The Post.
Until we get some easy-peel avocados on this side of the pond, you should be very careful when slicing an avo open. Seriously—one minute you're on your way to avocado toast, and the next, you're on your way to the hospital. If you think you need some guidance, check out our step-by-step guide to slicing an avocado (photos included)!
