The avocado is an evergreen
tree which is native to Central America and
Mexico and may reach heights of up to 20m. It
is unable to tolerate freezing temperatures,
and so can be grown only in subtropical and
tropical climates. The most popular variety
is the Hass. Hass avocados are unique because
they are the only avocado variety that is produced
year-round.
In Chile Hass avocados are available from September
to March.
Varieties
An
avocado with good
quality, green skin,
medium size, oval
in form, with a
medium to large
stone. It is easy
to peel, with a
delicate flavour.
It has a soft, thin
green skin and a
greenish yellow
pulp.
A
good quality avocado
with soft skin,
and a medium size
stone. It is easily
peeled with a good
flavour and a thin
green skin, with
a smooth surface.
The pulp is creamy
and pale green.
The Hass can be
recognised by its
skin which varies
from green to blackish
purple as it ripens.
It has an oval shape
with a small to medium
size stone. It can
easily be peeled
and has an excellent
favour. The skin
is grainy and thin,
but flexible. The
flesh is pale green
with a creamy texture.
This variety has
a smooth black skin
and a more pointed
shape. It has a
good flavour.
Storage
The recommended
temperature is 43º-45 ºF (6º-7 ºC).
The optimal relative humidity is
85-95%.
When avocados are ripe,
they can be stored at 39 ºF (4ºC) without
damage occurring for about one week.
Display
Avocados are picked
unripe. They begin to ripen once harvested
and at normal temperature the process
continues until they are consumed.
It is important to avoid rough
handling of the fruit and to minimise the
number of handling occasions.
When displaying avocados,
a single or double layer of produce will
reduce weight damage and overhandling by
customers.
