Avocado

Description/Taste.

Hass avocados have a pebbly skin that ripens from green to deep purple or nearly black. Although the skin is thick, it is relatively easy to peel. The flesh is soft, creamy, and barely fibrous, with good oil content. The flavor is rich and nutty with a slightly sweet finish.

Seasons/Availability

Hass avocados in Kenya are available between March and August year-round.

Sizes

The Avocados are available in both small and large sizes. The small sizes large between size 16 - 24, while the small sizes span from size 26 -32. The big sizes are packaged in 4 kg boxes while the small sizes are packaged in 10 kilo boxes.

Nutritional Value

Avocados contain nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, and folic acid. They are rich in dietary fiber and are known for being a good source of monounsaturated fat, second only to olives among fruits in oil content. Avocados have earned the nickname “nutrient-boosters” because they can enable the body to absorb more fat-soluble nutrients of other foods served in combination with the avocado.

Applications.

Applications. Avocados are most often used raw. Avocados can be mashed, cubed, sliced, pureed, or halved and stuffed. Add avocado slices to sandwiches or salads, or mash with lime juice, onion, tomato, cilantro, salt, and other spices to make guacamole.

The high fat content of avocados pairs well with acidic fruit and vegetables, like tomatoes. Store avocados at room temperature until fully mature. Whole, ripe avocados will keep for two to three days in the refrigerator, while cut avocados will keep for a day or two.

Avocado flesh darkens when exposed to air, so to prevent discoloration sprinkle cut avocados with lemon juice or vinegar and cover in plastic wrap before refrigerating.