List of avocado cultivars

List of Avocado Cultivars

The avocado (Persea americana) is a tree native to South Central Mexico, classified as a member of the flowering plant family Lauraceae. Avocado trees are commercially valuable and are cultivated in tropical and Mediterranean climates throughout the world. They have a green-skinned, fleshy body that may be pear-shaped, egg-shaped, or spherical. Avocados vary greatly in weight from just a few ounces to more than 4 pounds depending on the cultivar. This article provides an overview of the various avocado cultivars that are popular worldwide.

Hass

The 'Hass' avocado is the most commercially popular avocado worldwide. It was first grown and patented by Rudolph Hass in California in the 1930s. The Hass avocado is distinguishable by its pebbly skin which turns from green to purplish-black when ripe. The fruit has a creamy texture and a rich, nutty flavor. The Hass variety accounts for approximately 80% of all avocados consumed globally.

Fuerte

The 'Fuerte' avocado is a hybrid between the Mexican and Guatemalan species of avocado. It was first introduced to the U.S. in the early 20th century. The Fuerte avocado is known for its smooth, thin skin and pear shape. The fruit has a creamy texture and a slightly less rich flavor than the Hass. It is considered a winter variety and is most commonly available from November through March.

Bacon

The 'Bacon' avocado is a medium-sized fruit with smooth, thin skin that remains green when ripe. It was developed by James Bacon circa 1954 in Buena Park, California. The Bacon avocado has a light flavor and a high water content, making it less creamy than other varieties. It is typically harvested in the winter months.

Reed

The 'Reed' avocado is large, round, and has a thick, green skin that remains green when ripe. The fruit is known for its creamy texture and rich flavor, similar to the Hass. The Reed avocado is typically available in the summer months.

Zutano

The 'Zutano' avocado is one of the early-season varieties, distinguishable by its shiny, yellow-green skin and pear shape. The fruit has a lighter flavor and more watery texture than the Hass. It is often used as a pollinator for the Hass avocado in orchards.

Pinkerton

The 'Pinkerton' avocado is long and pear-shaped with small seeds and thick, pebbly skin that turns dark green when ripe. The fruit has a creamy texture and a rich flavor. The Pinkerton avocado is typically harvested from winter through spring.

Lamb Hass

The 'Lamb Hass' avocado is a larger, more cold-tolerant variant of the traditional Hass avocado. It was developed in California and is known for its exceptional flavor and creamy texture. The Lamb Hass has a longer growing season than the traditional Hass, extending its availability in the market.

Gwen

The 'Gwen' avocado is similar in taste and texture to the Hass but is larger and has a thicker skin that peels easily. The fruit is typically available from February through October.

Sharwil

The 'Sharwil' avocado is a popular cultivar in Australia and Hawaii. It is known for its high oil content and rich, nutty flavor. The Sharwil has a green, pebbly skin that turns slightly yellowish-green when ripe.

Choquette

The 'Choquette' avocado is a large, smooth-skinned avocado with a watery texture and mild flavor. It is primarily grown in Florida and is known for its high yield.

Simmonds

The 'Simmonds' avocado is another Florida cultivar, known for its large size and high oil content. The fruit has a smooth, green skin and a creamy texture.

Monroe

The 'Monroe' avocado is a large, late-season cultivar from Florida. It has a thick, glossy, dark green skin and a slightly nutty flavor.

Cultivation and Uses

Avocado trees are grown in tropical and subtropical climates around the world, with Mexico being the largest producer. The fruit is highly versatile, used in both savory and sweet dishes. It is a key ingredient in guacamole, and is also popular in salads, sandwiches, and as a spread on toast. Avocado oil is used for cooking and in cosmetics.