You’ve heard of California Hass avocados. They’re creamy and delicious. But did you know that they are just one of many different types of avocados? Here’s a look at the differences in some of the more popular types of avocado.
Hass
Famous in California, Hass avocados are perhaps the most widely known variety. They are oval in shape, and can range in size from average to large. They have a thick, but easy to peel skin. You can always tell a ripe Hass avocado by gently squeezing it. If it yields, it’s ready to eat. The skin may also darken from a green to darker purple, almost black color.
Lamb Hass
Similar to the Hass avocado, this variety has the same pebbly skin. It’s oval in shape, but a bit larger than its relative. It also features a slightly larger seed, and grows particularly well in the California summer.
Bacon
This fruit has a green skin, even when it ripens. It’s available in the latter part of the year, growing in late fall into the spring time. Known for its lighter tastes, bacon avocado is a medium sized fruit with a yellow-green colored flesh.
Fuerte
Elongated and shaped like a pear, the Fuerte variety blooms in the late fall. Characterized by smooth thin skin, it’s a medium sized fruit with a medium sized seed. It peels easily and reveals a pale green flesh.
Gwen
Smaller in size and slightly rounded, this variety has a green skin that dulls when it ripens. Gwen avocado taste great and are easily peeled.
Reed
Round and very large, the Reed avocado is another type with thick green skin that remains green. The thick skin peels away easily to reveal the creamy flesh. Like the Hass, slight pressure can be used to determine ripeness.
Zutano
Pear-shaped with shiny yellow-green skin, Zutano is another popular avocado breed. It’s an average sized fruit and is moderately easy to peel. It has a lighter taste than other types of avocado and yields to gentle pressure when ripe.
All avocado types are delicious and a great addition to any meal. The type of avocado you pick will determine the size, taste and color of your ripe fruit.