About Avocado Trees in Florida
Avocados are an important crop in Florida, with hundreds of thousands of trees scattered across the state. The trees are tropical evergreens native to Mexico, now grown in many climates worldwide. In Florida, they thrive in parts of Central, South, and Southwest Florida, offering high yields with fruits that are home to a variety of tastes, textures, and uses.
Avocados are a major source of vitamins, including vitamin C, E, and K, as well as essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and phosphorus. The fruit is high in fiber and healthy fats, and it has a variety of culinary applications.
Florida climate provides an ideal growing environment for avocados. The summer’s long days and typical temperatures of 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit create an environment that’s conducive to growth. It’s common for avocado trees to reach heights of 50 feet or more once established, with mature trees bearing fruit year-round.
When to Pick Avocado From Tree in Florida
Picking avocados in Florida requires careful timing. Although they can be harvested year-round, the fruit’s maturity differs based on the season and location within the state. In North Florida, the flowering-period peaks in August and September, with a peak harvest season of August to December. South Florida’s harvest season tends to be later (September to March) and less clustered, with fruits ripening from September to May.
In Central Florida, the most common variety is the ‘Hass’ avocado. It’s known for its bumpy dark-green skin, creamy texture, and rich flavor. The Hass tree produces fruit year-round, but peak season is typically in the winter (December through February).
In Southwest Florida, the trees bloom during August and September, with ripening periods extending through October, November and December. The most common variety is the ‘Bacon’ avocado which has green, smooth skin and a buttery texture.
How to Choose A Ripening Avocado
While ripening varies based on variety, variety and season, there are some tips and tricks to determine which avocados are ideal for picking.
First, look for avocados that feel slightly soft when gently squeezed. The skin should be dark green and firm, with a slight bumpiness for the Hass variety. You can also use a stem test to determine if an avocado is ripe: check the stem end of the fruit; if it’s brownish-green, it’s ready to eat.
It’s important to note that the process of ripening begins once the avocado is harvested, so if you choose an avocado that’s a bit too firm, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few days or store it in a paper bag to help facilitate ripening.
Storing Avocados
Once picked, avocados should always be stored at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. To save an avocado that’s already cut, squeeze a little lemon juice over the exposed flesh and cover the fruit with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
If you want to store cut avocado for longer-term, freezing is an option. Cut avocados can be mashed and added to an airtight, freezer-safe container and be stored in the freezer for up to one month.
Benefits of Eating Avocado
Avocados are incredibly healthy and packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Eating avocado can help protect against cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes, improve digestion and support bone health.
The fruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps the body form collagen and protects against free radical damage, and is also a good source of potassium and magnesium, both of which can help lower blood pressure and support a healthy heart.
Avocados are also packed with healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats which are important for reducing cholesterol levels and improving insulin sensitivity. And, the high fiber content in avocados helps promote satiety and reduce food cravings.
Cooking and Eating Avocado
Florida avocados are often eaten raw, either on their own or in salads, sandwiches, and smoothies. To safely eat raw avocado, cut the fruit in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh out with a spoon.
Avocados can also be cooked, although the high fat content means they can become quite oily if cooked for too long. To prevent this, add avocados near the end of cooking time or use a low-heat cooking method.
There are an endless number of dishes that can be made with avocados, from tacos and quesadillas to guacamole, dips, and soups. Plus, you can even bake with avocados; try adding mashed avocado to brownies, cupcakes, and other baked goods for a plant-based twist.
Health and Safety Considerations
When picking and eating avocados, it’s important to follow safety protocols. Always wear closed-toe shoes when picking fruit, and use a ladder or step-stool to safely reach the top of the tree.
It’s also key to avoid over-ripe fruits. Brown spots or mushy flesh can indicate the presence of harmful bacteria. If you’re not comfortable with the color or texture of the fruit, discard it or turn it into fertilizer.
In some areas of Florida, avocados may be treated with pesticides, so it’s important to consider your particular growing environment and take appropriate measures. Instead of using an over-the-counter pesticide, look into natural options like neem oil, natural garlic sprays, or soap sprays to help control pests.
How To Pick and Store Avocado in Florida
The most important factor in picking Florida avocados is timing. They can be harvested year-round, but the ripening period varies based on location and season. In North Florida, the flowering-period peaks in August and September, with a peak harvest season of August to December. In South Florida, the fruit ripens from September to May, while in Central and Southwest Florida, peak seasons are typically in the winter (December through February).
To choose a ripening avocado, look for ones that feel slightly soft when squeezed, with dark green and bumpy skin for the Hass variety. You can also use a stem test to determine if an avocado is ready to eat: check the stem end of the fruit; if it’s brownish-green, it’s ripe.
Once picked, avocados should always be stored at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. Cut avocados should be covered with lemon juice or stored in an airtight container. If you need to store them for longer, freezing is an option.
Cleanliness and Hygiene Practices
Always take hygiene into consideration when picking and eating avocados. Wear closed-toe shoes when picking fruit, and use a ladder or step-stool to safely reach the top of the tree. It’s also key to avoid over-ripe fruits as brown spots or mushy flesh can indicate the presence of harmful bacteria.
In some areas of Florida, avocados may be treated with pesticides, so it’s important to consider your growing environment and use natural options like neem oil, natural garlic sprays, or soap sprays to help control pests.
Nutritional Benefits of Avocados
Avocados are incredibly nutritious and packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Eating avocado can help protect against cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes, improve digestion and support bone health.
The fruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps the body form collagen and protect against free radical damage, as well as a good source of potassium and magnesium, both of which can help lower blood pressure and support a healthy heart.
Avocados are also high in fiber and healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats which are important for reducing cholesterol levels and improving insulin sensitivity.
Cooking and Eating Avocado
Florida avocados can be eaten raw, cooked, or processed into a variety of dishes. The fruit can be consumed as-is, added to salads, sandwiches, smoothies, dips, soups and can even be added to baked goods like brownies and cupcakes.
When cooking with avocados, it’s important to avoid using high heat as it tends to make the fruit become greasy. To help prevent this, add avocados near the end of cooking time or use a low-heat cooking method.
To safely eat raw avocado, cut the fruit in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh out with a spoon. If you need to store cut avocado for longer-term, freezing is an option. Cut avocados can be mashed and added to an airtight, freezer-safe container and stored for up to one month.
