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Avocado

Since 291 BC, avocados have grown wild in the highlands of Central America and Mexico and the lowlands of Columbia and South America. Avocado, or Alligator Pear, began its Australian heritage from seeds introduced in the 1860s. They were planed extensively throughout coastal Queensland and selected varieties form the basis of a significant commercial industry on the Atherton Tablelands. Throughout most of the year they are available at roadside stalls.

Characteristics The shapes vary from oval to round, and the skin colour and texture vary between varieties. Avocados are green when immature. Some varieties stay green as they ripen while others change from anything from maroon through to a purple / black colour. Sizes range from small cocktail avocados at 75mm x 25mm through to large seedling types that measure up to 20cm in diameter.

Taste Avocado has a nutty butter taste with textures that range from rich and oily to a thinner, lighter consistency.

Buying and Storing Home-grown avocados picked at maturity ripen three to seven days after harvest. Taking the "guesswork" out of ripening for most consumers, the expertise of wholesalers at produce markets ensures that avocados are delivered to retail stores a few days before they are ripe. If stored at a cooler temperature they may hold for several weeks. To hasten the ripening process, place an avocado with a banana in a brown paper bag and store at room temperature.

Preparing and Serving Avocados are a nutrient-rich and energy dense fruit, and are especially rich in potassium. The uses of avocado are extensive. Beside being the essential ingredient in guacamole, sliced or mashed avocado makes an ideal sandwich spread. Thinly sliced avocado can be used in salads and sushi. Avocado is delicious on its own or it can be spiced with salt, pepper, lime juice or chilli.

Availability All year.

Varieties

• Fuerte - smooth, dark green skin, which dulls as fruit ripens.
• Hass - turns from a rich purple to black when ripe and ready to eat.
• Sheppard - green, smooth skinned and pear-shaped.
• Sharwil - pebbly and thick skinned, it darkens in colour as it ripens.

Acknowledgement The information about avocados is mainly sourced from the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Queensland publication Tropical Tastes - Fruits, Foods and Flavours of North Queensland and is reproduced with due acknowledgement and authority.

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