Bright idea for fresh avocados

AS any avocado lover will know, it doesn’t take long for the fruit to turn from perfectly ripe to spoilt and squishy. But a revolutionary technique promises to extend an avocado’s shelf-life by two days – using ultraviolet light beams.

The method devised by Lincolnshirebased firm Greencell involves passing the avocados through shortwave UV light to ‘clean’ them and kill off bacteria spores, meaning they keep for longer.

They are then packaged in film containing microscopic holes, creating a controlled atmosphere that slows ripening.

The avocados will go on sale in 1,300 Tesco stores at £1.89 for a twin-pack.