Types of California Avocados
California is known for producing a wide variety of avocados due to its favorable climate for avocado cultivation. The primary types of avocados grown in California are:
* Hass: The Hass avocado is the most popular and widely grown avocado in California. It has a dark green, pebbly skin that turns purplish-black when ripe. The flesh is creamy and has a rich, nutty flavor. Hass avocados are available year-round and are used in various dishes and as a spread.
* Fuerte: Fuerte avocados were once the dominant avocado variety in California, but they have been largely replaced by Hass. These avocados have a smooth, thin skin and a slightly milder taste compared to Hass avocados. They are pear-shaped and have a green skin that remains green even when ripe.
* Bacon: Bacon avocados are named after their oval shape and not their taste. They have a smooth, thin skin and a medium-to-large size. The flesh is pale yellow and has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. Bacon avocados are typically in season from late fall to spring.
* Lamb Hass: Lamb Hass is a newer variety and is essentially a cross between Hass and Gwen avocados. It has a similar appearance to the Hass avocado, with a dark, pebbly skin, but is slightly smaller in size. The flavor is rich and creamy, resembling the Hass avocado.
* Gwen: Gwen avocados are a hybrid between Hass and Gwen, developed to combine the best qualities of both. They have a round-to-oval shape with a green skin that turns dark green to black when ripe. The flesh is smooth and creamy with a pleasant flavor.
* Reed: Reed avocados are large, round avocados with a smooth, green skin that remains green even when ripe. The flesh is creamy and has a milder taste compared to Hass avocados. Reeds are generally available from late spring through summer.
* Pinkerton: Pinkerton avocados have a distinctive pear-shaped appearance with green skin and a slightly pebbly texture. They have a creamy texture and a mild flavor. Pinkerton avocados are often available from late fall through early spring.
* Zutano: Zutano avocados have a pear-shaped appearance with smooth, light green skin. They are one of the earliest avocados to mature in the season and have a milder taste compared to other varieties.
It's worth noting that the availability of these avocado varieties may vary throughout the year, as different types have different harvesting seasons. Additionally, California's diverse microclimates allow for the cultivation of various avocado varieties in different regions of the state.