DID YOU KNOW?

DID YOU KNOW?

Although classified as a vegetable in the USDA database based on common usage, avocados are considered a fruit because they fit the botanical criteria for a berry thanks to their fleshy pulp and large seed. More specifically, the avocado is a fruit that belongs to the genus Persea in the Lauracaea family. This refers to the type of tree and flowering plant. 

Avocados were once a luxury food reserved for the tables of royalty, but now avocados are enjoyed around the world by people from all walks of life.

The easiest and safest way to remove the avocado seed is to quarter the avocado

• Carefully cut the avocado in half length-wise around the seed, with the fruit flat on the cutting board
• Rotate the avocado ¼ turn and cut length-wise around the seed, creating ¼ avocado segments
• Put down your knife 
• By separating the quarters, you can remove the seed seamlessly with your fingertips! More Tips

Speed up the avocado ripening process by placing avocados in a paper bag with a kiwifruit or apple (or both). Apples, kiwifruit and avocados all produce ethylene. Ethylene is a natural plant hormone that triggers the ripening process and is used commercially to help ripen bananas, avocados and other fruit. More Avocado Ripening Help

The avocado is also called an Alligator Pear because of its pear-like shape and green skin.

Avocado is a derivative of the Spanish word aguacate, which in turn comes from the Aztec word ahuacatl.

The majority of avocados consumed in the U.S. are imported. California is the largest producer of avocados grown in the U.S.

There are nearly 3,000 avocado growers in California farming on approximately 50,000 acres.

A single California Avocado tree can produce on average about 60 pounds or 150 fruit a year.

There are seven varieties of avocados grown commercially in California, but the Hass variety is the most popular, accounting for approximately 95 percent of the total crop volume.

The Hass avocado variety is a California native. It was first discovered by Rudolph Hass in the mid-1920's. Every Hass avocado in the world can trace its roots to that "Mother Hass Tree" in La Habra Heights, California.

California Avocados grow year-round and are in peak season from spring through summer. Tips for Finding California Avocados

The size of an avocado does not indicate the fruit quality or stage of ripeness. An avocado's seed actually grows with the fruit, so the seed-to-fruit ratio will always be close to the same.

Avocados are great to eat 24/7 – in various usages. Avocado Recipe Ideas
 

CALIFORNIA AVOCADOS AND NUTRITION 

California Avocados are heart-healthy fruit that are naturally sodium-, cholesterol- and trans fat-free.

One-third of a medium avocado (50 g) has 80 calories and contributes nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, making it a nutrient-rich choice. View Avocado Serving Size Info

California Avocados act as a nutrient booster by helping increase the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients like vitamins A, D, K and E.
 

CALIFORNIA AVOCADOS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

California Avocado farmers rely on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to combat pests and diseases. As a result, California Avocados rank among the lowest of all fruits and vegetables for pesticide use.

If treatment for pests is necessary, the softest chemicals are selected to have the least impact on the environment and on beneficial organisms in the groves.

With the number of California Avocado groves becoming Certified Organic the trend toward organic production is on the rise. New Certified Organic avocado acreage is coming into production in California each year to meet the ever-increasing demand for organically grown fruit.

Avocado groves help renew our air supply and keep it fresh by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen.

Avocado trees lower air temperature by evaporating water in their leaves.

Avocado tree roots stabilize the soil and help prevent erosion. 

Avocado groves can reduce storm run-off and the possibility of flooding. By slowing runoff and filtering rain water, orchards can improve water quality.

Avocado orchards, due to their well-irrigated soil and lush green leaves, serve as a natural fire break for surrounding neighborhoods and businesses and can help firefighters slow or stop the rate of spread during wildfires.