avocados-varieties

 

It is the fruit that everyone is talking about. Yes, the fruit, because there are still many who don’t know whether avocados are a fruit or vegetable. Although what really matters is that it is an authentic joy thanks to its creamy pulp, which is irresistible on a slice of toast, or in countless recipes.

It also doesn’t go unnoticed for most that see it as a superfood, with multiple benefits for health and well-being, standing out due to its contribution to controlling cholesterol.

What is perhaps not so well known is that there are many varieties of this “green gold”. Although the one in your fruit bowl is, almost certainly, a Hass avocado, there are up to 15 varieties, but: How many of them do you know?

 

Do you really know all of the varieties of avocado?

 

  1. Don’t let its name deceive you, as this variety of avocado stands out, precisely, due to containing very little fat.
  2. Carmen. Similar to Hass in its appearance and pulp, this type of avocado is recognized by the characteristic flavour of its flesh, reminiscent of nuts.
  3. A “mini” variety that conserves the flavour and creaminess, but with no seed, so it is very easy to eat. For the moment, dwarf avocados are not easy to find in Spain.
  4. Esther. Another variety of Hass, with a creamy pulp and rough skin.
  5. Ettinger. Exquisite variety with smooth skin and good fat content.
  6. It was the most consumed variety until the emergence of Hass. As it is more delicate and less resistant to cold, it lost its leading position as the most consumed variety of avocado. However, it is still in an honourable second place.
  7. If its creamy pulp doesn’t seem like enough reason to try it, this type of avocado has a shell that doesn’t turn black.
  8. Hass. Some claim that it is the best type of avocado. Whether true or not, what is certain is that, the simplicity of its cultivation and its good qualities, makes Hass the king of the market.
  9. Lamb Hass. Bigger and heavier than Hass avocados, otherwise it looks a lot like the previous one. It has just arrived in Spain.
  10. A newcomer among avocados is this indigenous type from South Africa and it surprises with its delicate flavour.
  11. Its hard shell, which keeps it in perfect condition for longer, and its low-fat content, make the Naban avocado an attractive option.
  12. Black cross. A variety that stands out due to its smooth skin.
  13. Pinkerton. Variety coming from Israel and that seduces the palate with a very tasty pulp.
  14. Reed. Round fruit with an unmistakable flavour. It is becoming increasingly available on the market, as its late flowering period makes it easier to grow than Hass avocados.
  15. Zutano. Resistant to cold, which makes its cultivation less risky. Its pulp does not have as much quality as other varieties, which doesn’t make it highly sought after.

 

 Some tips for buying avocados and making the right choice

 

When buying avocados, opt for Hass and all the varieties related to it as it is always a safe option if it is a creamy and delicious product you are after.

To avoid making a mistake and buying very old avocados, peel back the small stem or cap at the top of the avocado. If it comes away easily and you find green underneath, you’ve got a good avocado in its optimum state of maturation that’s ripe and ready to eat. If the colour of the circle is brown or black, the avocado is too ripe, although in this case it can always be used to make a nutritious hair mask.

In any case, always remember that opting for local produce is also a purchase guarantee, and when it comes to avocados, those from La Axarquia in the south of Spain are of excellent quality.