Daily Dish the Sonoma Market blog
Foodie FAQs: Avocados
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Avocados are always a do, especially when they’re grown right here in the Golden State. Whether stuffed or on toast, in smoothies or salads, let’s guac and roll with a few pro tips and fun facts about California-grown avocados!
Avocados are always a do, especially when they’re grown right here in the Golden State. Whether stuffed or on toast, in smoothies or salads, let’s guac and roll with a few pro tips and fun facts about California-grown avocados!
Are avocados a fruit or vegetable? Although commonly thought of and classified as a vegetable, avocados are considered a fruit because they meet the botanical criteria for a berry: fleshy pulp and large seed. One California avocado tree can produce up to 150 avocados (or 60 pounds of fruit) per season!
How do you know when an avocado is ripe? The easiest way to tell if a California Avocado is ready to use is to gently squeeze it in the palm of your hand. Ripe, ready-to-eat avocados will yield to gentle pressure.
What if it’s not ripe—can I do anything to help it along? To ripen an avocado, place it in a paper bag with an apple, banana or kiwi for 2–5 days at room temperature (these fruits accelerate the ripening process!). If you’re not quite ready to enjoy your avocados, ripe, uncut fruit, can be stored in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
How do you keep a leftover avocado or guacamole from browning? To store cut avocados, sprinkle with lemon juice, lime juice or white vinegar, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. To store guacamole, place in an airtight container and press clear plastic wrap on the surface of the guacamole before covering to help prevent oxidation, then refrigerate.
Avocados are so good, but are they good for me? You bet! Check out these Health Notes by Dr. Liz to learn more.
How many varieties of avocados are there? While many varieties of avocados are grown commercially in California, the Hass variety is the most popular, accounting for approximately 95% of the total crop volume! The Hass avocado variety is a California native and was first discovered by Rudolph Hass in the 1920s.
When can I buy California Avocados? Right now! The California avocado season typically lasts from spring through early fall. Fun Fact: It takes 14-18 months to grow a single avocado, which means for a few months, avocado trees have two crop years on them!
For additional information about California Avocados, visit CaliforniaAvocado.com.
