Avocado to-do

PREVENTING avocados from ripening too rapidly by submerging them in water isn’t the great idea it might appear.

The trendy practice slows oxidisation but increases the amount of listeria and salmonella bacteria harmlessly present on an avocado’s skin.

Nutritionist Toby King warned that washing the skin before putting it in water would not prevent the bacteria from spreading.

“'Some social media users believe it’s possible to protect the avocados from these harmful pathogens,” he said. “But listeria can infiltrate the avocado pulp in storage and disinfecting the skin in this instance wouldn’t help.”

Instead, wrap avocados in clingfilm or store with chopped onions, he recommended.

On-screen

THIS time of the year always poses a skin care challenge.

Even on a dull day, 90 per cent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays can penetrate clouds and it’s easy to get sunburnt.

In March, sunscreen with a protection factor suitable your skin and needs is already essential, not forgetting that its number indicates that when used correctlywhich includes regular reapplication ­ it takes 30 times longer to turn red.

This applies to the face, too, so choose between moisturiser with an SPF or a specific sun protection product.