L'avocado it is a medium-sized tree that can reach a height of 15 meters. In its scientific name it is Persea americana and it belongs to the Lauraceae family. This plant is native to Central America however, it grows all over the world in areas with tropical climates such as India, Palestine, Indonesia.
Its fruit also called avocado is a berry shaped like a large pear which comes to weigh from 100 grams per kilo. Its dimensions vary from 10 to 20 centimeters and externally there is ua rather leathery but thin protective skin. Its pulp is hard when harvested but when ripe it becomes soft and once opened and crushed the consistency is very creamy.
The color of the avocado pulp varies from yellow to light green and this also depends on the variety of the plant. Inside the avocado fruit is present a large seed even 5 centimeters in diameter.
The major producers of this fruit are obviously the countries of Central America like Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Colombia but also Ethiopia and Indonesia are excellent avocado producers. Even in el country, especially in Sicily and in the lands of the South, the cultivation of the avocado fruit has begun, reporting excellent results in terms of quality and production.
Variety of avocado
I exist numerous varieties of avocado. In America alone there are more than 20 different types that differ in pulp color, skin appearance, shape and size.
It becomes truly imperative to know the avocado variety we are buying because the moment of the right maturation is identified precisely on the color parameters, the appearance of the peel and its consistency.
If we do not know which avocado variety we are about to open and eat, we risk confusing the parameters to identify the right moment of ripening and we will cut it either too early or too late. So let's get to know the avocado varieties that are most commonly found on the market.
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Avocado Bacon
This avocado is stands out for a milder flavor than other avocados. It has an oval shape and is of medium size. The peel is green when purchased but its color does not vary much, it only takes a slightly darker tone.
The texture of the ripe fruit is only slightly softer to the touch so don't be fooled: this Bacon avocado does not get too soft to the touch because the peel is resistant to pressure. Bacon avocado originates from America and is produced in California in the period between autumn and spring in particular.
Avocado Ettinger
The Ettinger avocado has a thin skin and its color is bright green when we go to buy it. After ripening, the color does not turn towards dark green or reddish therefore the consistency will tell us when it's time to open it. The dimensions are larger, the shape is pear-shaped and the pulp is yellow, creamy with a strong flavor.
The cultivation area of ​​this variety is in Israel and here bears fruit from November to April. We can also find it at other times of the year because it was imported from Mexico between September to April and from South Africa from April to September.
Strong Avocado
The Fuerte avocado is well recognizable for its elongated shape and is highly appreciated because in addition to its good flavor it is very easy to remove the peel. The color is always dark green with a thin skin and a creamy yellow pulp.
The cultivation area is Mexico and Guatemala but also in Indonesia it is known and used for various sweet and savory recipes. Its fruiting season is always between November and April. In America and especially in Mexico it is the most widespread and used variety.
Avocado Hass
This avocado is typical for the color of its peel which changes from a beautiful freshly picked green to a much darker, almost brownish color when ripe. Its skin is rough and thin with green to light yellow pulp. The size of the fruit is slightly smaller than other avocados but its flavor makes it number one among avocados for many.
The cultivation of the Hass variety extends from Mexico to Spain, from Israel to Cyprus, from Peru to South Africa up to our lands and the country. Indeed the Hass avocado is very well known and appreciated in our country thanks to its good flavor and its ease of recognizing when it is ready to be eaten.
Avocado lula
This avocado it is the largest in size and has a more rounded shape to the base. The peel is rough, of a playful green color that tends to yellow or brownish. Its pulp is firm which varies in creaminess depending on the ripening period with a really light flavor and a fruity aftertaste.
It is grown in the Antilles but also in Brazil and the Caribbean. Importing is not very frequent because bears the transport badly. Its fruiting period is from August to October.
Avocado Nabal
The Nabal avocado has a rounded shape with a fairly thick green skin that becomes dark almost brown when ripe. Its pulp is yellow, the flavor is delicate and the consistency is firm and lasts as long as it can also be used in cooking with hot recipes. It is grown in Israel, Australia, Florida and California.
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