Abundance of Avocados

In March 2001, the California Avocado Commission launched its annual ad campaign with a simple tagline: “So this is why people hug trees. Genuine California Avocados.” The fact that the avocado (which is considered a berry) needed an ad campaign at all perhaps shows that it has long been misunderstood. In the 22 years since then, avocados have continued to steadily gain popularity and find their way onto creative menus across the United States. 

Most avocados produced in the U.S. are grown year-round in California, with Ventura and San Diego counties topping the list of highest avocado production. In the 2022 County of Ventura Crop & Livestock Report, avocados jumped from fifth to second highest-valued crop in the county, almost doubling from 2021. While they are generally a spring/summer fruit, some varieties are available into early fall as well. 

According to most sources, the most popular avocado variety commercially is Hass, a California native first planted in 1926 in La Habra Heights (near Anaheim). While consumers tend to favor it for its buttery, slightly nutty flavor and creamy texture, grocers appreciate its shelf life and sturdiness. While the Hass variety accounts for approximately 95% of the total number of avocados consumed in the U.S. each year, in Ventura County we have several hundred varieties. Among the more popular: Hass, Bacon, Fuerte, Zutano, Pinkerton, Reed and Gwen.  

Check the local farmers’ markets for the varieties currently in season and ask the farmer about what kind they are growing! And for a throwback article on avocados on our website, check out https://edibleventuracounty.ediblecommunities.com/recipes/heritage-avocados-there-s-no-better-place-ventura-county-sample-many-varieties

Here are a few impressive reasons avocados are a superfood that should be incorporated into your diet as often as possible. 

Nutrient Density: With only 80 calories, one serving of avocado (about 50 grams) provides almost 20 different vitamins and minerals. They are a great source of vitamins C, E, K and B6, as well as riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, potassium and magnesium.  

Heart-Healthy Benefits: Avocados are packed with heart-healthy fats. Unlike other fruits, they’re low in carbs and high in fat. Over 75% of their fat is “good fat” that’s linked with healthier (HDL) cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of heart disease.  

Blood Pressure & Blood Sugar Friendly:  

Potassium levels help counter sodium in the diet and reduce blood pressure. They’re also rich in inflammation-fighting compounds that promote healthier blood vessels and enhance blood flow throughout the body. Unlike other fruits, avocados don’t contain any sugar, and their healthy fats and fiber actually help to stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels, especially after a meal. 

According to third-generation Santa Paula avocado growers Jason and Lindsey Cole of The Good Fat, avocados don’t ripen on the tree but instead, begin to mature after picking, usually taking  four to seven days to fully ripen. To speed up the ripening of your avocados, place them in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana. Close the bag and wait a couple days. Bananas and apples release natural ethylene gas that stimulates ripening.  

A perfect example of a superfood, avocados are a versatile, tasty addition to many delicious recipes. Here are three to try!