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GEM® avocados are pear-shaped with rough, thick, black skin that is flecked with gold, weighing an average of 7-11oz. Known for rivaling hass in quality, GEM® avocados have a fantastic, rich flavor. Avocado trees are bushy evergreen trees with large leaves. The GEM® avocado tree is a semi-compact, vase shaped tree that bears the fruit mostly in clusters interior in the tree, protecting them from the elements. GEM® avocado trees have good production and are less prone than hass varieties to alternate bearing, in other words an abundant crop one year but not the next. Unlike most fruits, the avocado does not ripen on the tree and so it can be stored on the tree for several months, allowing the grower to have more control over the harvest volume. GEM® avocados hold particularly well on the tree.
Seasons/Availability
GEM® avocados are available mid-spring through early fall.
Current Facts
The GEM® avocado was named after the initials of University of California researcher Grey E. Martin who selected the variety. Being comparable in quality, the GEM® avocado is sometimes mistaken as hass in markets. The avocado is botanically a berry and it belongs to the laurel family. It is scientifically referred to as Persea americana Mill., with Persea being the genus, americana the species, and Miller the name of the first scientist to print a description of the fruit. The avocado species have generally been further divided into three races: Mexican, Guatemalan, and West Indian.
Nutritional Value
Avocados have a reputation as being high in fat, and indeed they are second only to olives among fruits in oil content, but their oil is high in monounsaturated fatty acids, which are relatively healthy and tend to reduce blood cholesterol. Hence, avocados provide “good” fats, as well as nearly twenty different essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, Vitamin E, B-vitamins, and folic acid. They also act as a nutrient booster, enabling the body to absorb more fat-soluble nutrients in other foods that are eaten alongside it.
Applications
Avocados are most famous for their use in guacamole, one of the most popular dishes of Mexico. Guacamole is made by pureeing avocados with onions, spices, lime juice and more, depending on the recipe. Avocados are best used raw, and can simply be cut in half and topped with a squeeze of lemon juice or seasoned with salt and pepper, and they also go well in sandwiches and salads. They can even be used in desserts such as ice cream or mousse. Avoid exposure to direct heat, namely broiling, and cook avocados only briefly or simply add them toward the end of long-cooking dishes. Ripe avocadoes can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days. Only fully ripe avocados should be refrigerated to slow the process of decay. To store a cut avocado, preserve its color by spraying or brushing the exposed surfaces with lemon juice, cover with plastic wrap to seal out exposure to air, and refrigerate.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
South Africa has been promoting and marketing the GEM® avocado as one of their commercial varieties. Soon after the GEM® avocado’s debut on the American market, University of California, Riverside (UCR) licensed Westfalia Fruits, a leading South African fruit supply company, to market the variety as the primary licensee for GEM® avocados around the world. UCR has developed several other avocado varieties since the early 1980’s including gwen, sir prize, lamb hass, and more.
Geography/History
The GEM® avocado is a selection from seedling of the gwen variety that was planted in the late 1980s and developed by Gray E. Martin. Almost all varieties of avocado trees can be successfully grown throughout California in areas with mild winters. All avocado trees need to be protected from heavy frosts and strong winds, and they should be planted in sunny locations with well-drained soil. The Gem variety can grow worldwide wherever growing conditions are comparable to Southern California's.
Jimbos Naturally
12841 El Camino Real San Diego CA 92130
+1 (858) 793-7755
The GEM® avocado was developed from a Gwen variety seedling in the late 1980s by Gray E. Martin. The avocado thrives in regions with mild winters, sunny skies, and well-drained soils. Its versatility allows it to grow worldwide under conditions similar to Southern California’s. Protected from frost and strong winds, it aligns well with other avocado varieties grown in California.
SPECIALTY PRODUCE
1929 Hancock St San Diego 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
The GEM® avocado tree is semi-compact and vase-shaped, with fruit clusters primarily growing on the interior branches. This keeps them sheltered from environmental factors. Unlike most fruits, avocados don't ripen on the tree, allowing growers to leave them hanging for months and better control harvest timing. GEM® avocados are especially suited for this practice, as they remain in good condition while stored on the tree.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Gem Avocados from Rancho Los Serranos. The GEM® avocado was named after the initials of University of California researcher Grey E. Martin who selected the variety. Being comparable in quality, the GEM® avocado is sometimes mistaken as hass in markets. The avocado is botanically a berry and it belongs to the laurel family. The avocado species have generally been further divided into three races: Mexican, Guatemalan, and West Indian.
Mud Creek Farms
Santa Paula, CA
(805) 525-0758
Gem Avocados are versatile and used in a variety of dishes, from salads and sandwiches to desserts like ice cream or mousse. While best enjoyed raw, they should only be cooked briefly or added at the end of long-cooking recipes to avoid heat damage. Whole ripe avocados stay fresh for 2 to 3 days at room temperature. Their unique ability to pair with sweet and savory flavors makes them a kitchen favorite.
Specialty produce
1929 Hancock street San Diego CA. 92110
The GEM® avocado is a selection from seedling of the gwen variety that was planted in the late 1980s and developed by Gray E. Martin. Almost all varieties of avocado trees can be successfully grown throughout California in areas with mild winters. All avocado trees need to be protected from heavy frosts and strong winds, and they should be planted in sunny locations with well-drained soil. The Gem variety can grow worldwide wherever growing conditions are comparable to Southern California's.
SpecialtyProduce
1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110
6192953172 [email protected]
The GEM avocado, often mistaken for Hass, is a botanical berry belonging to the laurel family and classified as Persea americana Mill. The "Mill." refers to Philip Miller, who first printed its description. Avocados, rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, are second only to olives in oil content among fruits. They help lower cholesterol and boost absorption of fat-soluble nutrients from other accompanying foods.
SpecialtyProduce
1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110
6192953172 [email protected]
Gem avocados can be enjoyed in many ways, from guacamole—an iconic Mexican dish—to salads, sandwiches, or even desserts like ice cream and mousse. They are best used raw but can be briefly cooked or added at the end of long-cooking dishes. To store a cut avocado, brush its surface with lemon juice, cover it with plastic wrap to reduce air exposure, and refrigerate it to maintain freshness and prevent browning.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock Street
619-295-3172 [email protected]
GEM® avocados are pear-shaped with black, thick skin flecked with gold and weigh around 7-11oz each. Their rich flavor rivals that of Hass avocados. The GEM® avocado tree has a semi-compact, vase-like shape, with fruit clusters protected from weather elements on the tree interior. These trees are less prone to alternate bearing than Hass varieties, offering more consistent yields. Avocados, including GEM®, ripen off the tree, allowing growers to store and control harvest timing effectively.
Specialty Produce Farmers Market
The GEM® avocado was developed in the late 1980s from a seedling of the gwen variety by Gray E. Martin. It can grow globally in locations with conditions similar to Southern California's, including mild winters, well-drained soil, and protection from heavy frosts and strong winds. It has gained commercial success, particularly in South Africa, where it is actively marketed as a premium variety.
is easiest, three is harder.
