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Hass avocados vary in size, depending on growing conditions, but are generally medium-sized, averaging 7 to 15 centimeters in diameter and 141 to 300 grams in weight. The variety has an oval, oblong, to pyriform shape with blunt, slightly tapered curved ends and features a rough, woody button on the stem end. The skin ripens from green to dark green, sometimes darkening to shades of green-purple, almost black. The skin is also glossy and is textured, pebbled, thick, and taut. Hass avocados are easy to peel, revealing dense, yellow-green flesh. The flesh is firm when young, softening to a tender, creamy, and fibreless consistency when ripe. The flesh also envelops a moderately sized, round brown seed tightly embedded into the flesh. Hass avocados are known for their high oil content, creating a rich, nutty, savory, earthy, and subtly sweet taste.
Seasons/Availability
Hass avocados are grown in both hemispheres, creating year-round availability.
Current Facts
Hass avocados, botanically classified as Persea americana, are a California variety belonging to the Lauraceae family. The bumpy-skinned fruits grow on upright trees reaching 4 to 9 meters in height and are one of the most commercially produced avocado varieties worldwide. Hass avocados were discovered in the early 20th century and later became famous for their distinct coloring, growth characteristics, and hardy nature. Before the rise of Hass avocados, Fuerte avocados were the dominant variety grown in California. Hass avocados initially stood out for their thick, dark-colored skin, but with time, growers appreciated the variety’s high yields, ease of propagation, and ability to be transported long distances without damage. It is important to note that the pronunciation of Hass avocados is based on a family’s last name. It should be pronounced similarly to “pass” but with an “h.” Since their discovery, Hass avocados have expanded in cultivation worldwide and are the primary avocado sold in fresh markets as a culinary ingredient.
Nutritional Value
Hass avocados are a source of fiber to stimulate and cleanse the digestive tract, magnesium to control nerve functions, and potassium to balance fluid levels within the body while replenishing electrolytes. Hass avocados also provide vitamins A, B, C, E, and K. These vitamins help the body strengthen the immune system, guard the cells against free radical damage, maintain healthy organs, produce energy, and aid in faster wound healing. In addition to consuming avocados, the fruits are topically incorporated into facial masks and hair treatments as a calming, moisturizing ingredient.
Applications
Hass avocados are known for their rich, nutty, and creamy nature, suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The variety can be used in any preparation, calling for avocado, and has a higher oil content than other more watery cultivars. Hass avocados can be halved and eaten out of hand with a spoon, or their halves can be filled with nuts, salads, or meat as a simple snack. The variety can also be sliced and served over tacos, on sandwiches, rolls, and in wraps, mashed and slathered on toast, or used as an edible topping over salads, grain bowls, and main dishes. Hass avocados are versatile and can be cubed, sliced, mashed, or cut, holding their shape. They are also blended into sauces and dressings or added to smoothies for a thicker consistency. One of the most famous uses for Hass avocados is making guacamole. When slicing fresh or using in dips, sprinkling lemon juice onto the flesh is recommended to slow browning. Worldwide, Hass avocados have adapted to many cuisines and are utilized according to preference. The variety is also occasionally stuffed and baked or cut into strips, breaded, and fried as an appetizer. Hass avocados pair well with herbs such as cilantro, parsley, chives, and basil, spices including cumin, curry powder, turmeric, and paprika, citrus, honey, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Avocados should be ripened at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Mature fruits should be immediately consumed for the best quality and flavor and will last 2 to 3 days in the fridge. Once opened, cover the exposed flesh with lemon juice and tightly wrap it before placing it in the refrigerator. This will keep the sliced half fresh for a day or two.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Hass avocado trees commercially grown in the present day are descendants of the original tree in the Hass family orchard, also known as the “Mother Tree.” Hass avocado trees are developed through propagated cuttings rather than growing from seed, and these cuttings initially began from the Mother Tree in La Habra Heights. The Hass Mother Tree lived for 76 years in the same location until it succumbed to root rot in 2002. After the tree’s passing, the Brokaw family had a cross-section of the Mother Tree varnished and preserved in memory of the variety. A branch was also taken and sealed in glass with a note saying, “Though her fruit has spread around the world, her roots will always be in California.” Beyond preserving portions of the Mother Tree, the California Avocado Society installed a commemorative plaque at the site of the Mother Tree in La Habra Heights to remember the story of the now global fruit.
Geography/History
Hass avocados arose from a chance seedling in California in the early 20th century. The story of Hass avocados is connected to the story of the Hass family. Mr. Rudolph Hass was a postman who purchased a 1.93-acre plot of land in La Habra Heights in Los Angeles. Mr. Hass desired to plant avocado trees as a potential source of income, and in the 1920s, he bought a bag of avocado seeds from a local grower based in Whittier named A.R. Rideout. The seeds were grown into seedlings, and in 1926, they were planted on the property. After becoming established, Mr. Hass began attempting to graft branches onto the seedlings to grow varieties distinct from the commercially dominant Fuerte avocado. One of the seedlings rejected the grafts for several years, and at one point, it was said that Mr. Hass was ready to cut the tree down. Mr. Hass kept the tree alive, and in 1931, the unusual seedling produced its first six fruits, which were much darker in color and had distinct pebbled features. The following year, the tree produced 125 fruits, and Mr. Hass’s children became fond of the fruit’s rich flavor. It is unknown what the variety’s true genetic heritage is, but some studies conducted later in the 21st century indicate the cultivar has Guatemalan and Mexican origins. In 1935, Mr. Hass patented the new variety after his family’s name and brokered a deal with Whittier grower Harold H. Brokaw to grow additional trees and promote the cultivar. Hass avocados were initially met with some resistance, as they were visually distinct from other popular commercial avocados at the time, but they were later valued for their different ripening time and hardiness. In the 1950s, producers in Mexico and California began commercially cultivating Hass avocados, and by the 1970s and 80s, Hass avocados became the choice cultivar. Today, Hass avocados are the most commercially produced avocado variety worldwide and are widely found in fresh markets, through grocers, and distributors. They are also grown in home gardens in both hemispheres.
Rancho De Los Sueños
Temecula, CA
Hass avocado trees commercially grown in the present day are descendants of the original tree in the Hass family orchard, also known as the “Mother Tree.” Hass avocado trees are developed through propagated cuttings rather than growing from seed, and these cuttings initially began from the Mother Tree in La Habra Heights. The Hass Mother Tree lived for 76 years in the same location until it succumbed to root rot in 2002. After the tree’s passing, the Brokaw family had a cross-section of the Mother Tree varnished and preserved in memory of the variety.
Rancho De Los Sueños
Temecula, CA
Hass avocados vary in size, depending on growing conditions, but are generally medium-sized. The variety has an oval, oblong, to pyriform shape with blunt, slightly tapered curved ends and features a rough, woody button on the stem end. The skin ripens from green to dark green, sometimes darkening to shades of green-purple, almost black. The skin is also glossy and is textured, pebbled, thick, and taut.
Fruteria Y Legumbreria LAR
Calle 53 # 46 53
(313) 721-9229
Aguacates hass, el perfecto para el guacamole. Almost every Hass avocado around the world can trace its lineage to the original Hass Mother Tree that was planted in California in the 1920s, and launched millions more trees before it died in 2002.
Farmer Steve has Australia's (world's) best avocados !! Hass avocados are known for their rich, nutty, and creamy nature, suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The variety can be used in any preparation, calling for avocado, and has a higher oil content than other more watery cultivars. Hass avocados can be halved and eaten out of hand with a spoon, or their halves can be filled with nuts, salads, or meat as a simple snack. The variety can also be sliced and served over tacos, on sandwiches, rolls, and in wraps, mashed and slathered on toast, or used as an edible topping over salads, grain bowls, and main dishes.
is easiest, three is harder.
