Varieties and Types of Avocados
Hass, Bacon, Fuerte – Flavor, Storage and Nutritional Value
Aug 31, 2009
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
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