She Strengthens

Unleash the Flavor of the Unique Florida Avocado

When it comes to avocados, most people think of the Hass variety, but there’s another gem worth discovering – the Florida avocado. This large, bright green beauty boasts fewer calories and a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from its Hass counterpart.

The Avocado Craze

Avocados have taken the culinary world by storm, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you enjoy them mashed on toast, blended into a zesty guacamole, or savored straight from the skin, this tree-ripened fruit is a game-changer. With the rise of avocado popularity, new markets have emerged, offering a variety of avocado types. Among these, the Hass and Florida avocados stand out as two of the most well-known varieties.

Hass Avocado: The King of Avocados

The Hass avocado is the reigning champion of the avocado world, prized for its long shelf life and versatility in the kitchen. Grown primarily in Mexico and California, these avocados thrive in warm climates with ample sunlight. They typically weigh no more than six ounces, with black, bumpy skin that peels easily to reveal rich, green flesh and a large, round pit. The flesh is rich in healthy fats, making it perfect for whipping into a smooth spread or slicing into creamy chunks.

Florida Avocado: The Underdog

Lesser-known but equally impressive is the Florida avocado, also referred to as the Dominican avocado. These avocados are larger in size, with smooth, bright green skin and teardrop-shaped pits. Grown in Florida, Haiti, and other Caribbean islands, they’re perfect for slicing and dicing due to their firm texture. The biggest difference between Hass and Florida avocados lies in their calorie count, with Florida avocados boasting fewer calories and a milder flavor.

Recipe Inspiration

Whether you’re a fan of Hass or Florida avocados, these recipes will showcase the unique qualities of each:

• Fried Avocado Tacos: Bread and fry Florida avocados for a crispy twist on taco Tuesday.
• Chipotle-Avocado Salad Dressing: Blend Hass avocados with chipotles for a creamy, dairy-free dressing.
• Simply Glorious Avocado Toast: Celebrate the creaminess of Hass avocados on toasted bread, topped with a poached egg and pickled onions.
• Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado-Corn Salsa: Top smoky grilled shrimp with a fresh salsa featuring either Hass or Florida avocados.
• Guacamole: Choose between chunky Florida avocados or creamy Hass avocados for the perfect dip.
• Copa Verde Avocado Cocktail: Blend Hass avocados with lime juice, agave, and tequila for a refreshing spring drink.
• Dark Chocolate Avocado Mousse with Coconut Cream: Indulge in the richness of Hass avocados in this dairy-free dessert.