Avocado

Visit our Store

YEAR ROUND FRUIT

Description:

This is a fruit that is native to Central America and a member of the Laurel Family. It is pear-shaped with green skin and smooth, creamy flesh. It is mostly eaten raw and served in a wide variety of ways.

The two most common varieties are the Haas and the Florida avocados.

Haas: a rough, pebbly skinned fruit with an oval shape and a small to medium-sized seed. This variety peels easily, has a thick skin and a smooth, almost buttery tasting flesh.

Florida: this variety has deep green flesh, a large seed, and smooth, thin skin. The flesh has a light, sweet taste and is more fruity tasting.


__________________________________________________________

Selecting:

When selecting, for immediate use, choose those that are soft and yield to gentle pressure when pressed.

When selecting, for later use, choose those that are firm and need a little time to ripen.

Avoid extremely hard avocados or those that looked shriveled or feel mushy when touched.

Storing and Handling:

If the fruit is not quite ripe leave it to ripen at room temperature. Be sure to check on it daily for ripeness.

When ripe, store in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Preparing:

Cut in half lengthwise around the seed. Rotate the halves in opposite directions and separate the avocado. Remove the seed, scoop out the flesh with a spoon and sprinkle with a little lemon or lime juice to prevent discoloring.


__________________________________________________________

Serving Suggestions:

Salads: slice, cube or dice into all kinds of fruit and vegetable salads. When added to juicy vegetable or fruit salads it creates a quick and creamy dressing all on its own.

Flavorful Spread: very ripe avocado becomes a creamy spread and is great on warm crusty bread topped with sliced cheese and a little spicy salsa for a quick snack or even a light lunch with a bowl of soup.

Guacamole: dice the avocado into a bowl and mash lightly to desired consistency with a fork. Add chopped tomatoes, fresh cilantro, onions, jalapeno peppers (if desired), along with lemon or lime juice and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and serve with chips, crackers or cut-up vegetables and you have a great dip anytime.

Sandwiches: slice into your favorite sandwiches, including wrap-style sandwiches. Or top off your favorite hamburger with a slice or two.


__________________________________________________________

Seasonings and Foods to use with Avocado: chiles, cilantro, lemon, lime, seafood, tomato, tropical fruits, tuna, sour cream, yogurt


__________________________________________________________

Quick Salad – Avocado Recipes:

Avocado Salad





















Return from Avocado to Spring Produce Guide