Avocado

Types of Avocado

Hass Avocado

Distinctive for its skin that turns from green to purplish-black when ripe, the Hass is the leading variety of avocado and has an excellent shelf life.

• Description:

  • Oval-shaped fruit

  • Small to medium seed

  • Easy peeling

  • Great taste

  Size:

  • Full range from average to large, 5 to 12 ounces

  Appearance:

  • Pebbly, thick but pliable skin

  • Pale green flesh with creamy texture

  Ripe Characteristics:

  • Skin darkens as it ripens

  • Fruit yields to gentle pressure when ripe
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Fuerte Avocado

Harvested late fall through spring, the Fuerte is the original high quality avocado.

Description:

• Pear-shaped

• Medium seed

• Peels easily

• Great taste

Size:

• Medium to large fruit, ranging from 5 to 14 ounces

Appearance:

• Smooth thin green skin

• Creamy, pale green flesh

Ripe Characteristics:

• Skin remains green

• Fruit yields to gentle pressure when ripe
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Avocado Facts

Avocados contain oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that may help to lower cholesterol. In one study of people with moderately high cholesterol levels, individuals who ate a diet high in avocados showed clear health improvements. After seven days on the diet that included avocados, they had significant decreases in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, along with an 11% increase in health promoting HDL cholesterol

History

Avocados are native to Central and South America and have been cultivated in these regions since 8,000 B.C. In the mid-17th century, they were introduced to Jamaica and spread through the Asian tropical regions in the mid-1800s. Cultivation in United States, specifically in Florida and California, began in the early 20th century. While avocados are now grown in most tropical and subtropical countries, the major commercial producers include the United States (Florida and California), Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Brazil and Colombia.

How to Select and Store

A ripe, ready to eat avocado is slightly soft but should have no dark sunken spots or cracks. If the avocado has a slight neck, rather than being rounded on top, it was probably tree ripened and will have better flavor. A firmer, less mature fruit can be ripened at home and will be less likely to have bruises. The Hass avocado weighs about 8 ounces on average and has a pebbled dark green or black skin, while the Fuerte avocado has smoother, brighter green skin. Avoid Fuertes with skin that is too light and bright. Florida avocados, which can be as large as 5 pounds, have less fat and calories, but their taste is not as rich as California varieties.

How to select and store

A firm avocado will ripen in a paper bag or in a fruit basket at room temperature within a few days. As the fruit ripens, the skin will turn darker. Avocados should not be refrigerated until they are ripe. Once ripe, they can be kept refrigerated for up to a week if they have not been sliced.
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Vitamin content

Vitamin A - 1230 IU
Vitamin C - 15.9 mg
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - .2 mg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - .25 mg
Niacin - 3.9 mg
Folate - 124.6 mg
Pantothenic Acid - 1.95 mg
Vitamin B6 - .56 mg
Contains some other vitamins in small amounts.

Mineral content

Potassium - 1204 mg
Phosphorus - 82.4 mg
Magnesium - 78.4 mg
Calcium - 22 mg
Sodium - 20 mg
Iron - 2 mg
Also contains small amounts of selenium , manganese , copper and zinc .

* One medium avocado contains 4 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber.
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