Alan Titchmarsh has waged war on the avocado, citing the environmental costs. But do we really need to stop eating them? We get two writers to hash in out in this week’s Debate

YES: We have a bounty of mushable peas on these very shores

While avocados have become a staple in many diets, their environmental impact is alarming. Compared to other vegetables, they require an excessive amount of water to grow, up to 320 litres per avocado. This is dramatically higher than more sustainable crops, may I mention the pea, which need far less water. Given increasing global water shortages, continuing to consume avocados at such high rates is environmentally irresponsible.

Additionally, avocados contribute to deforestation, and we’re seeing vast forests being destroyed to grow avocados, leading to habitat loss for wildlife and increased carbon emissions. Peas on the other hand, offer a sustainable alternative. Unlike avocados, peas actually improve soil health by producing their own natural fertiliser, replenishing nutrients rather than depleting them. This eliminates the need for artificial fertilisers, which often harm ecosystems and contribute to water pollution. Furthermore, the UK is 90 per cent self-sufficient in pea production,........

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