'Holy grail' of avocados now on sale in UK - but they're apparently in short supply

The "holy grail" of avocados has hit store shelves just in time for Christmas.

M&S is selling a smaller, stoneless variant of the popular fruit, which is just two to three inches long and includes entirely edible skin.

With the country's A&E departments under huge pressure this winter, it is hoped that the miniature snacks will give wards a break from so-called "avocado hand".

Earlier this year, plastic surgeon Simon Eccles suggested that avocados should carry warning labels following a rise in the number of knife injuries from cutting into the fruit, but M&S is confident its new offering will prove the ideal solution and suggests trying the traditionally healthy snack deep fried.

M&S agronomist Charlotte Curtis said: "We've had the mini, the giant, ready sliced and we're now launching the holy grail of avocados - stoneless.

"This amazing fruit has been on our radar for a couple of years and we're very excited to have finally been able to get hold of some for our customers to try.

"We know they will be in demand and we've only been able to get our hands on a limited amount so make sure you get them while you can."

Someone sure to be excited by the "cocktail avocados" is young Henry, whose polite reaction to receiving one of the fruits as a birthday present went viral in 2015.

Avocados have surged in popularity in recent years, particularly among hipsters and millennials.

Back in May wonky variants were added to the line-up at supermarket Morrisons in a bid to make them more affordable.

It came as the global price of avocados reached record levels due to flooding and drought, late harvests and worker strikes in grower areas.

Avocados are packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, vitamin K, folate and antioxidants - and contain more potassium per gram than bananas.

They are high in omega 3 fatty acids, which can help to lower cholesterol and improve heart health, and can be good for weight loss as they release slow burning energy, reducing hunger.