Varieties and Types of Avocados

Hass, Bacon, Fuerte – Flavor, Storage and Nutritional Value

Aug 31, 2009 James Clausen

There are nearly 500 varieties of avocados. Find out the taste and flavor of the most common varieties of avocados. What are the nutritional values of the avocado?

The avocado is a fruit with a large pit. Avocados are usually consumed raw and are well known for making guacamole. Guacamole is generally made with avocado, tomatoes, onions and lemon juice and used as a dip for tortilla chips or as a complement to Mexican food. Avocado slices are also popular on hamburgers or spread on toast as a breakfast meal.

Avocado Varieties – Flavor and Characteristics

• Hass Avocado – The Hass Avocado is the most common of all avocado varieties. One reason is that the Hass Avocado is available year round. On the tree the Hass has a green color, once ripened the skin turns to a purplish black color. When ripe the Hass should be somewhat firm with a little softness when squeezed. The Hass is easy to peel, has an oval shape and ranges in sizes to 12 ounces. The Hass Avocado has a rich taste and a great flavor.
• Bacon Avocado – The Bacon Avocado is a mid-winter avocado that’s available in late fall to early spring. The Bacon Avocado has a green skin on the tree and the skin remains green when ripe. Like the Hass, the Bacon Avocado should be firm with a little give when lightly squeezed. The Bacon is also easy to peel, has an oval shape and ranges in sizes up to 12 ounces. The Bacon Avocado has a light flavor.
• Fuerte Avocado – The Fuerte gets its name from Spanish meaning strong, due to its ability to handle colder climates. Like the Bacon, the Fuerte Avocado is a mid-winter avocado. The Bacon has s smooth thin green skin and remains green when ripe. The Fuerte Avocado should also be firm, yet yield a bit to the touch when ripe. The Fuerte is also easy to peel, has a pear shape and ranges in sizes up to 14 ounces. The Fuerte Avocado has a creamy rich flavor.

Nutritional Values of the Avocado

California Raw Avocado – Single Fruit, without seed or skin, 136 grams

• Avocados are moderate in calories with 227
• Avocados are high in total fat content with 21 grams
• Avocados have zero cholesterol
• They are low in sodium with 11 milligrams
• Avocados are very high in dietary fiber with 9 grams
• They have 0 grams of sugar
• Avocados are rich in Vitamin C with 20% of the daily value (DV) in a 2,000 calorie diet, Vitamin K with 36% DV, Vitamin B6 with 20% DV and Folate with 30% DV.

Even though the avocado is moderate in calories, none of the calories come from sugars like many other fruits. The total fat content is made up of some Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, the good fat. Since the avocado is also rich in many essential vitamins, the avocado is a good choice for a balanced healthy diet.

Sources:

nutritiondata.com

avocado.org

The copyright of the article Varieties and Types of Avocados in Food Trends is owned by James Clausen. Permission to republish Varieties and Types of Avocados in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Avocado Varieties - Nutritional Value

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