Whether you are on the ketogenic diet, Atkins diet, or you simply looking to eat healthier, you’ll have no doubt heard about the various health benefits of the avocado. Rich in healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients, avocados are not only delicious but also incredibly beneficial for those on a keto diet. So where are the best places to buy avocados in Malaysia?
The best places to buy avocados are Village Grocer, Jaya Grocer, Aeon and online platforms. While these options may be on the pricier side, they consistently provide a reliable supply of high-quality avocados, ensuring the fruits are well-handled and free from bruises.
With this in mind, let’s dive deeper into the avocado varieties available in Malaysia, explore more shopping options, and share tips on selecting and ripening avocados to help you make the most of this superfruit.
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What species/varieties of avocados are available in Malaysia?
There are two main kinds of avocado varieties commonly found in Malaysian supermarkets: Hass and Shepard avocados.
Hass Avocados
Hass avocados are the most common variety found in Malaysia, and they are available almost everywhere. Originally from California, Hass avocados have a dark green, bumpy skin that turns purple-black when ripe. They have a creamy, buttery texture and a rich, nutty flavor that makes them ideal for a variety of dishes, from guacamole to smoothies.
Shepard Avocados
Shepard avocados are mostly imported from Australia and can be found in higher-end grocery stores. They have a smooth, green skin that remains green even when ripe. The flesh is firmer and slightly less creamy than Hass avocados, with a more subtle flavor. Although not as widely available, Shepard avocados are still a great option for those looking for a unique taste and texture.
Comparison
Both Hass and Shepard avocados are delicious and offer unique characteristics. Hass avocados are more widely available and versatile, while Shepard avocados have a firmer texture and a more subtle flavor. Your preference will ultimately depend on your taste and the specific dishes you plan to prepare.
Best places to Buy Avocados in Malaysia
Finding the best places to buy avocados in Malaysia is essential for enjoying this delicious and nutritious fruit. In this section, we will explore several popular locations where you can purchase avocados of varying qualities, prices, and varieties.
1. Village Grocer
Village Grocer is a fantastic option if you’re looking for Australian Shepard avocados, which are considered premium. Regular-sized Shepards are sold for RM6.70, while jumbo ones are priced around RM14. Although these avocados are somewhat expensive, their quality is worth the price. Village Grocer also sells Hass avocados, which are highly popular and can be found in most stores.
2. Jaya Grocer
Jaya Grocer is another excellent place to find premium avocados like the Australian Shepard. Similar to Village Grocer, Jaya Grocer offers high-quality avocados at a slightly higher price, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize quality over cost.
3. Aeon
Aeon is known for its quality Hass avocados sourced from Mexico, the USA, and Australia. These avocados are nicely packed, reducing the likelihood of bruising from other shoppers. Although the prices at Aeon are on the higher side, the avocados’ quality makes them worth considering.
4. Neighbourhood fruit stores
Most neighborhood fruit stores in your local area will primarily offer Hass avocados, while premium Australian Shepards are rarely found. These stores typically sell avocados in small quantities and store them in the fridge. Prices at neighborhood fruit stores are moderate. An exception to this rule is the MBG fruit store, which offers more premium varieties but at a higher cost.
5. Online (Shopee / Lazada)
If you don’t mind waiting, you can also purchase avocados online. Buying avocados from online platforms like Shopee or Lazada can save you a few bucks (RM 5.49 for an Australian Shepard before shipping).
One advantage of purchasing avocados online is that you’re likely to receive good-quality fruits if you buy from sellers with high ratings. However, the downside is that you don’t get to pick the avocados yourself and must wait for delivery. Some online sellers even ripen the avocados for you, so they’re ready to eat upon arrival.
For example, you can check out these online stores:
Budget Places to Buy Avocados in Malaysia
While there are several fantastic locations to buy avocados in Malaysia, as mentioned earlier, some places offer average-quality avocados at a more affordable price. In this section, we will discuss a few locations where you can buy avocados if you are on a budget, but be aware that the quality might not be as high as those found at premium stores.
- Lotus’s (formerly Tesco): Avocados sold at Lotus’s primarily come from Africa. While the quality might not be as high as those found in other stores, Lotus’s offers more budget-friendly options for avocado enthusiasts.
- Giant: Giant is another popular retail store in Malaysia where you can find avocados at a more affordable price. However, similar to Lotus’s, the quality may not be as high as the avocados found at premium stores.
- Your local pasar: You might also be able to find avocados at your local pasar at lower prices. However, because not everybody eats avocados here in Malaysia, not every market will sell them. If you do find them, they will most like be of the Hass variety and cheap. It’s a suitable option for budget-conscious shoppers.
These places might not be the best choice for quality avocados because they are often displayed together, and shoppers tend to treat them like stress balls. As a result, you might come across many bruised avocados. When shopping in these places, we advise you to buy only the green and unripe ones and ripen them yourself (using the ripening technique below). Keep in mind that you might end up purchasing avocados that take up to 2 weeks to ripen, even after using the ripening technique.
However, the main advantage of these locations is their affordability. You can often find avocados for as low as RM3 per piece. So, if you’re looking to enjoy avocados on a budget, these places might be suitable for you. It’s essential to manage your expectations when buying avocados from these stores, as the quality might not be as high as those found in premium stores. However, with proper selection and ripening techniques, you can still enjoy delicious avocados without breaking the bank.
Selecting the Best Avocados
When choosing avocados, it is essential to ensure that there are no bruises. You can identify bruises by feeling for any significant dents on the skin that feel empty or mushy when pressed. It is also a good idea to find avocados with the stem still attached, as mold tends to start growing from the top if the stem is removed. The stem can also protect the avocado from oxidation (browning).
If you plan to consume the avocado within 1 to 3 days, select one that is already ripening. However, if you don’t intend to eat it soon (within 3-7 days), it’s perfectly fine to choose a green avocado and use the technique described below to speed up the ripening process at home.
Determining the Ripeness of an Avocado
When it comes to enjoying the perfect avocado, knowing how to tell if it’s ripe is crucial. There are several methods to assess an avocado’s ripeness, but not all of them are equally effective.
The most reliable way to determine an avocado’s ripeness is by gently pressing the skin with your fingers. Apply slight pressure to the surface, being careful not to cause any bruises. If the avocado yields a bit under pressure, it indicates that it’s ripe and ready to eat.
On the other hand, if the avocado feels firm or hard when pressed, it will require more time to ripen before consumption. This method works well because it helps you gauge the avocado’s internal texture without causing any damage.
Another popular, albeit less reliable, method involves checking the stem of the avocado. Some people believe that removing the small stem or cap at the top of the avocado can indicate its ripeness. If the area underneath appears green, it means the avocado is ripe, while a brown area suggests that the avocado is overripe. However, this method isn’t very dependable, as the stem’s color might not accurately reflect the fruit’s overall ripeness. Additionally, removing the stem might expose the avocado to oxidation and increase the risk of mold growth.
To further ensure that you pick a ripe avocado, pay attention to its color. Generally, ripe avocados tend to have a darker, almost black skin. However, this rule does not apply to all avocado varieties, as some types, such as the Shepard avocado, maintain their green color even when ripe. It’s essential to combine color assessment with the gentle pressing technique for a more accurate evaluation of ripeness.
Speeding Up the Ripening of Avocados
Sometimes, finding avocados that are about to ripen in the supermarket can be challenging. The following technique will help you achieve the perfect avocado ripeness every time without needing to select ripe ones at the store.
Purchase a bunch of bananas, preferably those that are still slightly greenish, and place them together with the avocados in a paper or plastic bag. Bananas release a chemical called ethylene, which accelerates the ripening of fruits around them. Using more bananas tends to speed up the ripening process more effectively.
Avoid tying up the plastic bag, as the ripening process releases moisture, and trapped moisture can cause avocados to grow mold in Malaysia’s humid climate. Also, refrain from putting the bag in the refrigerator; instead, leave it at room temperature. Storing the avocados in the fridge will slow down the ripening process significantly.
If you are on a keto diet and don’t eat bananas, you can buy a smaller amount or give them to someone who will eat them. Most fruit stalls are fine with dividing bananas if you ask for it. Typically, once the bananas are ready to eat, the avocados will be ripe as well.
Once the avocados have ripened, transfer them to the refrigerator to prevent over-ripening and turning mushy. Note: if you’ve tried this method and the avocados are still very hard, it might be because the avocado was very unripe initially and may require another round of ripening using a fresh bunch of bananas.
Share Your Avocado Shopping Experiences
Now that we’ve shared our insights on avocados in Malaysia, we’d love to hear from you. Do you have any personal experiences or favorite spots for buying avocados in Malaysia that we haven’t mentioned? Please share your thoughts, tips, and suggestions in the comments below, and let’s continue the conversation about these delectable fruits.
