Genuine improvements upon the avocado are few and far between. Artistic creations: yeah, OK. Avolattes: not so much.

In a time that has seen the fruit reach the dizzying heights of brunch and the terrible lows of being blamed for millennials’ inability to secure a first-time home, what else could it possibly offer?

Well, some fantasised about it coming without a stone in the middle (something about 2017 has us aiming low, it seems) – and now, thanks to Marks & Spencer, that stoneless avocado dream is a reality.

The retailer has launched ‘cocktail avocados’, which are much smaller than the standard fruit, boast “smooth and creamy” flesh, and, yep, come without a stone.

What’s more, the skin is also edible, so there’s no need for a sharp implement at any stage of the avocado-enjoyment process, thus reducing the possibility of avocado injury – something that one medical organisation says claims at least four casualties a week, as people slip up while trying to skewer the stone or cut through the skin.

M&S describes it as “a small elongated avocado approximately five to eight centimetres in length, the result of an unpollinated avocado blossom.

“The fruit develops without a seed which in turns stops the growth, giving a small, seedless fruit.”

Selling for £2 per 250g pack, according to the retailer, the flesh is “smooth and creamy, pale in colour and rich in flavour” and the Spanish-grown fruit is in season in December – so consider it a Christmas present.

We have slight reservations given we always thought the stone helped keep an unused avocado half fresh, but we guess these are so small you’ll be eating them in one go anyway.

Charlotte Curtis, M&S agronomist, says: “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.”

She adds: “They’re perfect for snacking and lunchboxes as they can be eaten whole but can also be used for a beautiful garnish or in a salad. My top tip is to try them deep fried!”

Cocktail avocados are available in-store now (assuming that you beat the rush…).

Image: M&S