To pick and choose ripe avocados, it’s important to know what to look for when selecting this versatile fruit. Avocados, short for Avos, not only have a rich, creamy texture and a mild nutty flavor, but they are also loaded with essential nutrients, healthy fats, and fiber. Whether you are spreading them on toast, mashing them into guacamole, or adding them to a salad, it all starts with selecting the right avocado.
In this post, we will explore the best tips on how to pick the perfect ripe avocado, so you can enjoy its creamy goodness at its peak. Let’s dive into key tips for choosing ripe avocados and much more.
Avocado Origin
Avocados come from the Persea Americana plant, which is a multi-stemmed tropical evergreen tree that is native to Puebla, located in central south Mexico. The avocado tree typically grows to a height of 30-60 feet.
What are Type A and Type B avocados?
These types primarily focus on promoting optimal fruit growth. According to the experts, planting Type A and Type B avocado trees nearby is best for achieving the best results. While most avocado varieties are “self-fruitful”. And do not require a partner tree of the opposite type for cross-pollination, Type A avocados bloom with female parts in the morning and switch to male in the afternoon of the next day. Type B avocados do the opposite, starting as male and then switching to female. This alternating pattern makes self-pollination difficult, so commercial avocado farms grow different varieties nearby to enhance cross-pollination.
We will explore the varieties of avocado in this post, but common pairings of avocado plantation are Hass and Fuerte. Hass is type A and Fuerte falls under type B. While Hass and Reed avocado can produce a decent yield when grown alone, growing type A and type B together basically guarantees a larger yield. Studies show that providing a cross-pollinator tree can boost Hass yields by up to 50%.
Avocado Varieties You Should Try! Always Choose Ripe Avocados
In Australia, avocados are produced all year round due to the range of climates and conditions across eight major avocado growing regions. Australia’s diverse production landscape has led to the cultivation of numerous avocado varieties, each with its unique characteristics. There are over 500 varieties of avocado in the world that differ in texture, shape, and size, but the common varieties of avocado are below.
The very popular ‘Hass Avocado’
Hass is a type ‘A’ and the most common variety of Avocado in Australia. This popular variety is available pretty much all year round. It has a classic oval shape and distinctly pebbly textured skin. Hass Avocado changes its colour as it ripens from green to purple black. It has a creamy texture and taste.
Limited time only ‘Shepard Avocado’ Choose Ripe Shepard Avocados
Shepard avocados, harvested in the state of Queensland, Australia, are available for a limited time only. These avocados are available in the market from February through to April. Shepard avocados are green in color and longer and slender compared to Hass. Shepard avocados stay green even when they are fully ripe. They have a creamy, buttery texture and a rich, nutty flavor and do not turn brown even if they are cut.
Other special varieties of Avocados
Fuerte Avocados
Fuerte are type ‘B’ avocados and Spanish variety. The name ‘Fuerte’, meaning strong, reflects the growth habit of the tree. Fuerte avocados have a pear-like shape and smooth bright skin. They do not change color as they ripen. They have a flavor sweeter and more reminiscent of hazelnut. Fuerte avocados usually weigh between 5~14 ounces.
Gem Avocados
Gem avocados are oval shaped and come with thick pebbly skin. The seeds are medium size and typically weigh between 7~11 ounces. They are easy to peel off. With a rich, nutty flavor, Gem avocados share closely identical characteristics to the popular Hass variety.
Gwen Avocados
Gwen avocados have thick pebbly skin with small to medium sized seed and are oval shaped. They weigh around 6~15 ounces. Gwen avocados are pretty similar in appearance, taste and texture to Hass avocados but slightly bigger in size.
Bacon Avocados
These types of avocados are oval in shape and have smooth green skin. Bacon avocados have medium sized seed and mild, slightly sweet flavor. The flesh of bacon avocados is soft and buttery which makes it a perfect selection for slicing into salads or spreading on toast. Bacon avocados have relatively low-fat content.
Hass vs. Shepard Avocados and what sets them apart?
Hass vs Shepard
There are two primary cultivated varieties of avocado: Persea americana ‘Fuerte’ and Persea americana ‘Hass’.
- Hass is a Type A avocado
- Fuerte is a Type B avocado
Shape and Size
- Hass are small, round to oval shape
- Fuerte are larger, pear-like shape
Appearance and Skin
- Hass has a thick, dark purple to black skin and gets darker as it ripens
- Shepard has smooth, bright green skin that remains green even when ripe
Flavor
- Hass has a rich, creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor.
- Fuerte has a sweeter flavor, often described as hazelnut-like, with a smooth and creamy texture.
Ripening
- Hass changes color to dark purple/black as it ripens.
- Fuerte does not change color when ripe and stays green.
Season
- Hass is available year-round and is the most commonly grown variety globally.
- Fuerte is typically in season from winter to early spring, making it more seasonal. If it’s a Shepard which retains the same color as it ripens.
Simple Methods to Determine and Choose Ripe Avocados
When you choose ripe avocados, look for the ones which are dark green, almost black. If your avocado is still bright green, it’s likely not ripe and will need a few more days.
Look for glossy skin that is free from cracks and dry spots. Most avocados sold in Australia are Hass, which darken as they ripen. Bright green avocados should be ready in a few days, while darker ones are more likely to be ripe.
Ripe avocados tend to have a bumpy texture. However, be cautious—if it’s too bumpy or bruised, it may be overripe.
Gently apply pressure to the avocado. If it feels rock-hard, it’s not ripe yet. If it yields slightly under pressure, it’s ready to eat.
Interesting Information about Avocados and things to consider when you choose ripe avocados
- Shepard avocados make up 14% of Australia’s total avocado production, whereas Hass avocados roughly make 83% of Australia’s production.
- Today, avocados are grown in various countries around the world, including the United States (especially California and Florida), Peru, Chile, and Israel, among others.
- If your avocado is still bright green, it’s likely not ripe and will need a few more days.
- Look for glossy skin that is free from cracks and dry spots.
- Bright green avocados should be ready in a few days, while darker ones are more likely to be ripe.