 Avocados were first cultivated in South America with later migration to Mexico. It was believed that a Mayan princess ate the very first avocado and that it held mystical and magical powers. European sailors traveling to the New World used avocados as their form of butter. Avocados were first seen in the United States in the early 1800's. California is currently the largest producer of avocados stateside. There are more than 80 varieties, with the "Hass" variety dominating the crop share. A single mature avocado tree can produce more than 400 pieces of fruit in a year.
Avocados are loaded with nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, and folate. They're also cholesterol and sodium free. Avocados contain 60% more potassium per ounce than bananas. This fruit is an excellent source of monounsaturated fat.
Varieties
There are several varieties of avocados and each have a unique flavor and texture. Here are some of the most common avocado varieties in the United States.
 Fuerte
This avocado is known for its thin smooth skin and creamy pale green flesh. The skin remains green when ripe. It is available late fall through spring. Considered a medium to large sized, pear shaped fruit.
 Gwen
Considered a Hass to some folks, but really is a different kind of avocado. With its medium to large oval shape and its thick pebbly green skin, this avocado's skin remains green when it's ripe. Gwen varieties are available late winter through late summer.
 Hass
The most common type of avocado in the United States is known for its purplish black pebbly skin. The skin darkens when the fruit is ripe and its flesh turns to a creamy pale green. This is the only year round avocado.
 Pinkerton
This variety looks like a long pear with pebbly green skin. The skin darkens when the fruit is ripe. The flesh is a creamy pale green with a small seed. This avocado is available winter through spring.
 Reed
Also known as the Summertime variety avocado, it is a large round fruit with thick green slightly rough skin. The skin stays green and the flesh is a buttery yellow when the fruit is ripe. This fruit is only available in the summer and early fall.
 Zutano
Available fall through early winter, this avocado is characterized by its shiny, yellow green skin and pear shape. It is a large sized fruit that stays the same color when ripe and has pale green flesh.
Photos and variety information courtesy of California Avocado Commission.
Nutritional Information
| Serving size 1/5 medium (30g) |
| Amounts Per Serving | % Daily Value |
| Calories 55 | |
| Calories from Fat 45 | |
| Total Fat 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 3g | 1% |
| Dietary Fiber 3g | 12% |
| Sugars 0g | |
| Protein 1g | |
| Vitamin A | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 4% |
| Calcium | 0% |
| Iron | 0% |
| * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. |
(Source: cdc.gov)
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