26 Types of Avocados | A-to-Z | Photos

There are numerous different types of avocado, but the Hass avocado is the most popular. Avocados are Pear-shaped tropical fruits that grow on evergreen trees in the laurel family Lauraceae.

Different avocados are popular for savory and sweet recipes because of their creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor. They have a large seed and a tough, green outer covering in the center.

They come in various forms, sizes, colors, and textures, and their flavor is typically described as mild taste, mildly nutty, and creamy.

1. Bacon Avocados

photo courtesy Tomorrow Harvest

Bacon Avocados

Named after James Bacon, who cultivated the first tree in the early 1950s, Bacon Avocados were developed in California. This variety thrives in the state's mild Mediterranean-like climate, with its cultivation extending to Mexico and parts of South America.

Physical Description: Bacon Avocados are medium-sized with smooth, thin skin that transitions from dark green to purplish-black when ripe. The flesh is creamy and pale yellow, offering a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of nuttiness, making it ideal for spreading on toast or adding to salads.

Ripening Times: These avocados are typically in season during the winter months, from November through February, although ripening times may vary slightly by region.

Flavor Profile: Despite its name, Bacon Avocados do not taste like bacon but have a distinct, mildly sweet flavor that complements vegetarian BLTs and other dishes well.

Cultivation Zones: Optimally grown in California's specific climate, Bacon Avocados also do well in similar climates across Mexico and South America, highlighting their versatility across different cultivation zones.

Size and Tree Characteristics: The trees produce medium-sized fruits that are sought after for their unique flavor and creamy texture, making them a favored choice among avocado varieties.

2. Brogdon Avocados

photo courtesy Home and Garden Reference

Originating from Florida, the Brogdon Avocado is a summer fruit, first cultivated in the early 20th century. This variety was developed as a hybrid, combining traits from West Indian and Guatemalan avocado types to thrive in Florida's humid and subtropical climate.

Physical Description: The Brogdon is known for its distinctive, smooth, dark purple skin when ripe, and its shape is typically more elongated than spherical. It weighs around 8 to 16 ounces, making it a medium to large-sized avocado.

Ripening Times: Unlike many other avocados, the Brogdon has a unique ripening season, producing fruit from July through September. Its later season provides a delicious option when many other avocado varieties are unavailable.

Flavor Profile: The Brogdon boasts a rich, buttery texture with high oil content, offering a complex, nutty, and sweet flavor profile. Its creamy consistency makes it ideal for spreads and dips.

Cultivation Zones: Suited for USDA zones 9 to 11, the Brogdon avocado is notably cold-hardy for an avocado tree, tolerating temperatures down to about 26 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a resilient choice for gardeners in cooler subtropical regions.

Size and Tree Characteristics: Brogdon avocado trees are moderately sized, typically reaching up to 15 to 25 feet in height. They are known for their vigorous growth and substantial canopy, providing ample shade. The trees are self-fertile, meaning they do not necessarily need a companion tree to produce fruit, although cross-pollination can increase yield.

3. Carmen Hass Avocados

photo courtesy Fourwind Growers

A hybrid of Hass and Booth 8 varieties, it was developed in Mexico in the 1970s and is now grown in regions like California, Florida, and Israel.

Physical Description: Similar to Hass with dark green, pebbly skin; pear-shaped or oval, weighing 6-14 ounces.

Ripening Times: Known for its creamy texture, buttery flavor, and distinct, slightly sweeter taste.

Flavor Profile: Offers a creamy, buttery flavor with a hint of sweetness, distinct from the Hass.

Cultivation Zones: Adaptable to various climates, grown successfully in regions including California, Florida, and Israel.

Size and Tree Characteristics: Trees can grow up to 30 feet and are self-pollinating, making them suitable for single-tree cultivation with year-round fruiting potential in the right climate

4. Choquette Avocados

photo courtesy Wiki

Originating in South Florida in 1934, the Choquette Avocado is a cross between Guatemalan and West Indian types, named after Remi D. Choquette Sr.

Physical Description: Distinguished by its large size, averaging 30-40 ounces, with smooth, green skin that remains green when ripe.

Ripening Times: Bears fruit around October, known as a winter variety that complements the avocado season with its availability.

Flavor Profile: Offers a more subtle taste with a lighter buttery note, distinguished by its higher water content, which may result in a slight release of water when cut.

Cultivation Zones: Thrives in southern Florida, the Dominican Republic, and other West Indies islands, enjoying similar popularity to the Hass variety in California and Mexico.

Size and Tree Characteristics: Choquette avocado trees are valued for their resistance to fungal and other plant diseases, with a preference for well-draining, fertile soil, and full sun exposure.

5. Ettinger Avocados

The Ettinger avocado, named after Franz Ettinger, a German immigrant who farmed in central California's San Joaquin Valley, is a hybrid of Mexican and Guatemalan varieties. This variety honors his contributions to avocado cultivation.

Physical Description Ettinger avocados are pear-shaped with smooth, brilliant green skin that is difficult to peel. Inside, they have pale green and yellow flesh. The fruits typically weigh twenty ounces and offer a mild flavor compared to other avocado varieties. They contain less oil, which contributes to their unique taste profile.

Ripening Times Unlike most fruits, Ettinger avocados do not continue to ripen after being picked. This characteristic makes them unique in the avocado family, as they maintain their quality from the tree to consumption without the common post-harvest ripening process.

Flavor Profile The Ettinger avocado is known for its mild flavor, which is less oily than many other varieties. This makes it a versatile ingredient for both savory and sweet dishes, appealing to those who prefer a subtler avocado taste.

Cultivation Zones This variety thrives in many orchards due to its productivity and adaptability. The Ettinger avocado tree is known for its upright growth and the production of a lot of fruit, including "cukes" or seedless fruits that can be harvested and sold as "cocktail avocados."

Size and Tree Characteristics The Ettinger avocado tree is one of the most productive in many orchards, similar to the Fuerte variety. It grows in an upright manner, occasionally producing seedless fruits known as "cukes." These characteristics make the Ettinger a valuable and efficient variety for avocado growers.

6. Fuerte Avocados

photo courtesy Bayzon

Fuerte avocados, a hybrid between Mexican and Guatemalan species, were initially developed in Mexico. This variety is now cultivated worldwide, with significant production in California, Chile, New Zealand, and other avocado-growing regions.

Physical Description The Fuerte avocado is characterized by its pear shape and medium-thick, leathery skin, which transitions from bright green to purplish as it ripens. The flesh is creamy and pale green, offering a slightly nutty taste and a smooth, buttery texture.

Ripening Times Typically, Fuerte avocados are in season from late autumn to early spring, approximately from November to April in the United States. This extended harvesting window makes them available for a significant part of the year.

Flavor Profile With a slightly nutty taste and a smooth, buttery texture, Fuerte avocados are prized for their delightful flavor. This makes them a favorite for consumption in various forms, from spreads to salads.

Cultivation Zones Fuerte avocados are cultivated in multiple regions around the world. The variety's adaptability and resistance to handling and shipping have made it a popular choice for international markets.

Size and Tree Characteristics The Fuerte avocado tree is known for its hybrid vigor, combining traits from its Mexican and Guatemalan ancestry. This results in a tree that is productive and capable of bearing fruit with an extended harvesting window, which is advantageous for growers looking to spread their market availability.

7. Guatemalan Avocados

photo courtesy centralamericalink

Guatemalan avocados represent one of the primary cultivars originating from the species. This type tends to be among the largest and heaviest compared to its Mexican variety cousins, highlighting the diversity within avocado species.

Physical Description Guatemalan avocados are known for their substantial size and weight, making them standout varieties among their counterparts.

Ripening Times The ripening times for Guatemalan avocados can vary, but like other avocados, they ripen after harvesting. The specific ripening window can depend on the individual variety within the Guatemalan category.

Flavor Profile While the document doesn't specify the flavor profile for Guatemalan avocados directly, they are typically known for their rich, creamy texture and slightly nuttier flavor compared to Mexican avocados, which are often lighter and have a more delicate taste.

Cultivation Zones Guatemalan avocados thrive in warm climates and require full sun for optimal growth. They are grown in soil types similar to those suitable for Mexican avocados but are more susceptible to frost damage, indicating a preference for slightly warmer growing conditions.

Size and Tree Characteristics This type of avocado is characterized by its large fruit size, which contributes to its popularity. The trees are adapted to warm climates but require protection from frost due to their susceptibility to cold weather damage.

8. Gwen Avocados

Gwen avocados are recognized as a Hass avocados, distinguished by their greenish-yellow flesh, large oval fruit, and plump, thick green skins. Their pebbly texture becomes evident when they are ripe, and their color transitions to dull green as they mature.

Physical Description These avocados boast creamy gold-green flesh surrounding a small to medium seed, delivering a nutty, buttery flavor. They are developed by grafting onto Mexican seedling rootstock, ensuring their distinct taste and size.

Ripening Times Gwen avocados share ripening characteristics with Hass avocados, though specific ripening times are not detailed. Like Hass, they likely ripen off the tree and can be encouraged to do so by storing them at room temperature until they yield to gentle pressure.

Flavor Profile: The flavor of Gwen avocados is similar to the beloved Hass variety but slightly larger. They offer a nutty, buttery taste, making them versatile for various culinary uses.

Cultivation Zones While specific cultivation zones for Gwen avocados aren't mentioned, they presumably thrive in similar conditions to Hass avocados, favoring warm climates with well-draining soil.

Size and Tree Characteristics Gwen avocado trees naturally grow to about 15 feet in height but can be pruned to stay smaller, accommodating limited space.

The trees are known for their manageability and small limbs, making them ideal for residential growing spaces. The Gwen avocado is a descendant of the Hass, suggesting it inherits some of its parent's resilient and productive traits.

9. Hass Avocados

Hass avocado is the most popular and widely recognized avocado variety globally. Originating in California in the early 20th century, it was the first of its kind, planted by Rudolph Hass. This variety now dominates avocado production, making up 90% of Mexico's output and being the most cultivated type in Columbia.

Physical Description Characterized by its distinctive pebbly skin, the Hass avocado transitions from green to purplish-black as it ripens. Its creamy, smooth flesh is rich in flavor, making it a favorite for many uses, including guacamole, salads, and stuffed avocados.

Ripening Times Hass avocados are unique in that they are available year-round, thanks to being grown in multiple regions. Their peak season in California is from late winter to early summer, ensuring a steady supply for consumers.

Flavor Profile The rich, creamy texture combined with a flavorful taste sets the Hass avocado apart from other varieties. It is the standard against which other avocados are often compared, favored for its taste and versatility in culinary applications.

Cultivation Zones While originally from California, Hass avocados are now grown in most avocado-producing nations worldwide. They adapt well to various climates while still preferring the warmer conditions found in their native environment.

Size and Tree Characteristics The Hass avocado tree is robust, producing fruit central to the avocado industry worldwide. Its widespread cultivation is a testament to the tree's adaptability and the fruit's popularity among consumers and growers

10. Holiday Avocados

photo courtesy Greg Alde

Holiday avocados are a unique variety known for their robust Guatemalan A-type characteristics, producing an abundant amount of fruit. This variety is celebrated for its ripening period that spans from Labor Day to New Year's Day, aligning with the holiday season, hence its name.

Physical Description These avocados are pear-shaped, weighing 18–24 ounces, and are recognized for their green fruit well-preserved on the tree. The skin of Holiday avocados is smooth and glossy green, encapsulating the creamy and slightly nutty flavored flesh that is especially buttery when ripe.

Ripening Times The ripening period of Holiday avocados, between Labor Day and New Year's Day, makes them distinctive. This timing allows them to be a festive choice during the holiday season.

Flavor Profile Holiday avocados are known for their slightly nutty flavor and exceptionally creamy texture, making them a delightful addition to various dishes and enhancing the culinary experience during their specific ripening times.

Cultivation Zones While the specific cultivation zones are not detailed, Holiday avocados thrive in conditions similar to other Guatemalan avocado varieties. They are predominantly grown in Southern California, benefiting from the region's climate, yet are frost-sensitive below 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Size and Tree Characteristics Holiday avocado trees exhibit a weeping growth pattern and are not very tall, making them an attractive option for indoor and container gardening. Their size and growth habits facilitate easy harvesting and adaptability to different growing environments.

11. Kona Sharwil Avocados

Kona Sharwil avocados stand out for their exceptional qualities, particularly their rich and nutty flavor, making them among the most esteemed in the avocado community. These avocados are distinguished by their small seed and the generous amount of flavorful flesh they encase.

Physical Description: Kona Sharwil avocados are characterized by their medium-thin, rough green skin that signifies ripeness. The fruits are relatively small, with weights ranging from 8 to 16 ounces, and undergo a notable color change to black as they ripen, distinguishing them visually from other varieties.

Ripening Times: Unique to this variety, Kona Sharwil trees bear fruit from November to January. This distinct harvesting season sets them apart from other avocado types, offering a fresh option during these months.

Flavor Profile: The flavor of Kona Sharwil avocados is exceptionally rich and nutty, earning them a favored status among connoisseurs. The combination of a small seed and ample, tasty flesh provides a unique culinary delight, enhancing their value in both professional kitchens and home cooking.

Cultivation Zones: Although specific zones aren't mentioned, Kona Sharwil avocados' ability to tolerate cold temperatures down to 32°F indicates their versatility across various growing conditions. This adaptability suggests they might thrive in a wider array of environments compared to more traditional avocado cultivars.

Size and Tree Characteristics: The trees are celebrated not only for their abundant fruit yield but also for their decorative appearance. Kona Sharwil trees grow predominantly upright with dense, angular branches adorned with foliage that can appear green or bronze, adding an ornamental value alongside their agricultural significance.

12. Lamb-Hass Avocados

photo courtesy Louis Nursery

Lamb-Hass avocado is a cross between the traditional, popular Hass variety and a Gwen avocado. This hybrid combines the best qualities of both parents to produce precocious, high-yielding, late-season avocados with good-quality fruit.

Physical Description The avocados from Lamb-Hass trees typically range in size from 10 to 16 ounces. They maintain the Hass variety's characteristic pebbly skin but may exhibit traits from the Gwen avocado as well, such as a more compact tree size.

Ripening Times Lamb-Hass avocados have a longer ripening season than the traditional Hass, extending from April to November. This extended season makes them a valuable variety for growers looking to supply avocados outside the typical Hass harvest period.

Flavor Profile While the document does not specify the flavor profile explicitly, Lamb-Hass avocados likely inherit the rich, buttery flavor of their Hass parentage, complemented by the nuanced taste qualities of the Gwen avocado.

Cultivation Zones These avocados are frost-sensitive below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, suggesting that they are best suited for warm climates. They are grafted onto Mexican seedling rootstock, indicating adaptability to a variety of growing conditions within avocado-friendly regions.

Size and Tree Characteristics The Lamb-Hass avocado tree is described as upright and compact, potentially making it suitable for a range of agricultural settings, including those with limited space. This variety is a Type A avocado, contributing to its high yield and making it a good choice for commercial cultivation as a late-season option.

13. Little Cado Avocados

photo courtesy Forest and Kim

Little Cado avocado, known for its compact size, is an ideal variety for backyard cultivation. This medium-sized fruit variety is distinguished by its green-skinned fruit with medium-thin skin.

Physical Description The tree of the Little Cado avocado typically reaches heights of 10 to 15 feet, making it smaller than many other avocado varieties. The fruit itself averages 8 to 14 ounces in size, providing a manageable size for consumption and culinary use.

Ripening Times Ripening from May to September, the Little Cado has a distinct season, providing a continuous harvest throughout the late spring to early fall. This variety is frost sensitive below 32ºF, indicating a preference for warmer growing conditions.

Flavor Profile Although the flavor profile is not explicitly described in the document, avocados of this size and cultivation method typically offer a rich, creamy taste that is well-suited for a variety of dishes.

Cultivation Zones The Little Cado is grafted onto Mexican Seedling rootstock, suggesting it can thrive in similar climates to other Mexican avocado varieties. It's well-suited for regions that can provide protection from frost and ensure full sunlight exposure.

Size and Tree Characteristics The manageable size of the Little Cado avocado tree makes it an excellent choice for home gardeners, especially those with limited space. Its medium-sized fruit and moderate height allow for easy cultivation and harvesting.

14. Lula Avocados

Lula avocados, commonly known as "Lulas," have their origins in Miami, Florida, where they were first cultivated in 1915 by Lula Cellon. This variety stands out due to its unique ripening process, where the fruits do not ripen simultaneously but at various times, making it challenging to harvest them all at once.

Physical Description The specific physical characteristics of Lula avocados, such as size, skin texture, and flesh color, are not detailed in the provided text. However, like most avocados, they likely feature the typical creamy texture and green outer covering that avocados are known for.

Ripening Times Lula avocados exhibit a staggered ripening process, with flowers blooming from March to May. This characteristic requires consideration for those interested in harvesting, as the fruits cannot be picked all at once.

Flavor Profile While the exact flavor profile of Lula avocados is not described, their distinctive nature and challenging harvest suggest a unique taste and texture that make them a valuable variety despite the difficulty in gathering.

Cultivation Zones Lula avocados can be found in USDA plant hardiness zones 9a through 10b. The specific harvest dates may vary depending on the part of the zone in which they are grown, reflecting their adaptability to different climatic conditions within these zones.

Size and Tree Characteristics The document does not specify the size and tree characteristics of Lula avocados. However, based on their cultivation information and staggered ripening, it can be inferred that the trees are adaptable and can produce fruit under varying conditions.

15. Maluma Avocados

photo courtesy portalfruticola

Maluma avocado is often compared to the Hass avocado, with some difficulties differentiating between the two due to their similarities. However, Maluma avocados are recognized for their larger size, glossier skin, and more pronounced pear-like form compared to the Hass, which has darker and creamier flesh.

Physical Description Maluma avocados are oblong fruits weighing between 1 and 1.5 pounds, with a dark-purple color at maturity. They possess thin, leathery, and smooth skin that peels off easily. The flesh is thick, creamy, fiberless, and contains much oil, offering a rich, nutty flavor.

Ripening Times These avocados ripen in early fall and are known for being consistently heavy producers. However, they can only be found in the late fall when they are picked, indicating a specific harvest time for optimal ripeness and flavor.

Flavor Profile The Maluma avocado does not include any nutty undertones in its flavor profile, setting it apart from some other varieties. Its rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture make it a distinct and valued variety among avocado enthusiasts.

Cultivation Zones While the document does not specify cultivation zones, the characteristics of the Maluma suggest it thrives in environments similar to those suitable for Hass avocados, likely in warm climates that can support its growth and ripening cycle.

Size and Tree Characteristics The trees of the Maluma avocado variety are noted for their rapid growth and abundance in numbers, making them a valuable variety for commercial production. Their ability to produce heavily and consistently is a notable advantage for growers

16. Mexican Avocados

photo courtesy Mexico-Now.com

Mexican avocados come from the northern regions of Mexico and are grown in both commercial orchards and backyards. They are cultivated using a blend of favorite local varieties, such as Pepe or Negro Santo. These avocados are characterized by their small size and thin skin, boasting a vibrant flavor.

Physical Description These fruits from Mexican growers are small and have a very high oil content. The flesh of Mexican avocado varieties has a high fat content, around 30%, making them one of the richest sources of monounsaturated fats.

Ripening Times The document does not specify the exact ripening times for Mexican avocados. However, given their high oil content, these avocados likely have a similar ripening pattern to other high-fat varieties, becoming ready to eat when the skin yields to gentle pressure.

Flavor Profile Mexican avocados are known for their vibrant flavor, enriched by the high oil content. This makes them particularly appealing for culinary uses where their rich taste can be highlighted.

Cultivation Zones Given their origin, Mexican avocados are likely suited to a range of climates within Mexico, particularly those that mimic the northern regions' conditions. They are adaptable to both commercial orchard settings and smaller backyard gardens.

Size and Tree Characteristics The document does not detail the size and characteristics of the Mexican avocado trees. However, given their adaptability to backyard cultivation, these trees can probably be managed within various garden sizes, offering flexibility for growers with limited space.

17. Mexicola Grande Avocados

Mexicola Grande avocado is recognized for its delicious taste and ease of peeling, making it an attractive option for eating directly and incorporating into recipes. Its unique sweet anise-like aroma sets it apart from other varieties.

Physical Description This variety features a thin, paper-like skin and a creamy flavor profile. It ripens from late summer through mid-winter, providing a long harvest season. The Mexicola Grande's flesh is thick, creamy, fiberless, and rich in oil, characterized by its dark-purple color at maturity.

Ripening Times Available from late summer to mid-winter, the Mexicola Grande offers an extended availability period. Its hardiness to cold temperatures, as low as 20°F, underscores its adaptability to various growing conditions.

Flavor Profile The Mexicola Grande is known for its creamy texture and absence of nutty undertones, distinguishing it from other varieties. Its flavor is enhanced by a high oil content, contributing to its rich, nutty taste.

Cultivation Zones While specific zones are not mentioned, its frost resistance suggests that it can be cultivated in areas with colder climates compared to other avocado varieties. It's grafted onto Mexican seedling rootstock and classified as a Type A cultivar.

Size and Tree Characteristics The document does not detail the size of the Mexicola Grande trees. However, its classification as a Type A cultivar and frost resistance implies that it might be more robust than other varieties, potentially offering benefits for growers regarding versatility and yield.

18. Monroe Avocados

photo courtesy Mike Bert

Monroe avocados, developed as a hybrid in Southern Florida in 1932, became commercially available as early as 1935. This Floridian avocado variety is noted for its large size and exceptional quality. Today, due to its fairly cold-resistant nature, it is also grown in California and a few other states.

Physical Description Monroe avocados are recognized for their large size and smooth green skin. The flesh inside is creamy and pale yellow, boasting a slightly nutty and buttery flavor, making them excellent for slicing, dicing, and mashing.

Ripening Times The peak season for Monroe avocados typically spans from late summer to early winter, with the fruit ready for harvest from July to November. This timing allows for a unique seasonal availability that complements the offerings of other avocado varieties.

Flavor Profile These avocados are known for their exceptional quality, offering a slightly nutty and buttery flavor that makes them a versatile ingredient for a variety of dishes, from avocado sandwiches to avocado tacos.

Cultivation Zones While the specific cultivation zones are not detailed, the adaptability of Monroe avocados to both Florida and California climates indicates their versatility in growing conditions. Their cold resistance also suggests they can thrive in areas with mild winter temperatures.

Size and Tree Characteristics Monroe avocado trees produce large fruits, contributing to their popularity among commercial producers and home gardeners. The trees' ability to adapt to different growing conditions and resist colder temperatures adds to their appeal to a broad range of avocado enthusiasts.

19. Pinkerton Avocados

photo courtesy Fog Follow Farm

Pinkerton avocado, distinguished by its heavy bearing of fruit and sensitivity to cold and heat, is comparable to Hass in terms of cold tolerance.

It is known for its susceptibility to sunburn under high heat, exacerbated by the tree's heavy fruit load. Originating from a blend of avocado varieties, Pinkerton is celebrated for its prolonged harvest season, starting as early as January but reaching its potential from March onwards.

Physical Description Characterized by its elongated pear shape, Pinkerton avocados feature pebbly, green skin that remains consistent through ripening. The flesh is creamy, rich in flavor, and has a high oil content, making it a premium choice for culinary uses. The fruit's size and distinctive shape, including an extended neck, contribute to its unique appeal.

Ripening Times The main harvest season for Pinkerton begins in March, with the fruit setting most during the later bloom months (March, April, even May). Although acceptable for consumption as early as January and February, Pinkerton avocados truly shine in late winter to early spring, extending the availability of quality fruit through May or June in Southern California.

Flavor Profile Pinkerton avocados are lauded for their rich, nutty flavor, devoid of any nutty undertones, and their creamy texture. This combination makes them especially sought after for direct consumption and as an ingredient in various dishes.

Cultivation Zones While specific cultivation zones are not mentioned, Pinkerton's early bloom and overall robustness suggest it can thrive across types of avocado friendly climates. However, its comparative weakness in high heat necessitates some care in particularly hot environments.

Size and Tree Characteristics The Pinkerton avocado tree is noted for its early bloom and significant fruit-bearing capability. Despite its vulnerability to temperature extremes, the tree's productivity, especially in terms of its main harvest season, underscores its value to both commercial and home gardeners.

Pollination from varieties like Fuerte, Bacon, and Sir-Prize is beneficial, highlighting the need for careful selection in orchard or garden planning to ensure cross-pollination and optimal fruit production

20. Pryor Avocados

Pryor avocado, affectionately nicknamed "Fantastic," is celebrated for its resilience and flavorful profile. This variety, noted for its green, thin, lustrous skin that retains its color upon ripening, is distinguished by its youthful fruit-bearing qualities and exceptional cold hardiness.

Physical Description Pryor avocados are smaller in size, maturing in September, and are known for their creamy flesh and balanced oil content. Despite their smaller stature, they are reputed to contain the most flavor and oil of any avocado variety grown in Mexico.

Ripening Times Pryor avocados mature in early fall, specifically in September, providing a distinct harvest period that complements the broader avocado harvest calendar.

Flavor Profile The Pryor avocado is highly valued for its rich and creamy taste, which stands out even among the diverse array of Mexican avocado varieties.

Cultivation Zones Pryor avocados are exceptionally cold-hardy, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. This resilience makes them a favored choice for cultivating areas susceptible to colder temperatures.

Size and Tree Characteristics The Pryor avocado's growth habit includes bearing fruit at a young age, making it an ideal choice for growers seeking early production.

It's imperative for growers to source genuine Pryor rootstock to ensure the variety's cold tolerance, as some rootstock marketed under similar names may not possess the same hardiness.

21. Reed Avocados

Reed avocado is a Californian creation developed by James S. Reed in the early 1940s. It's primarily grown in California, especially in regions like San Diego and Ventura counties, benefiting from the Mediterranean-like climate.

Physical Description Reed avocados are among the largest of the avocado varieties, with a weight reaching up to a pound (454g). They are recognized for their creamy, buttery texture, rich nutty flavor, smooth, pebbly skin, and their flesh, which is yellow to pale green.

Their size and less watery flesh make them an excellent choice for cooking, including slicing for sandwiches and salads or being used as a vessel for stuffed avocado recipes.

Ripening Times Typically, Reed avocados have a peak season from late winter to early summer, making their best fruit available from March to June. This seasonal availability ensures that Reed avocados can fill a niche period in the avocado market, offering fresh options when some other varieties might be off-season.

Flavor Profile The Reed avocado is celebrated for its rich, nutty flavor complemented by a creamy texture. This makes it a favorite for avocado aficionados who appreciate a dense, flavorful fruit that can enhance any dish.

Cultivation Zones While specific zones are not mentioned, Reed avocados thrive in California's climate, suggesting they are suited for areas with similar weather patterns, including Mediterranean climates. Their cultivation has also spread to parts of Mexico, indicating adaptability to various growing conditions.

Size and Tree Characteristics Reed avocado trees are noted for their productivity, offering a substantial yield of large fruits. The trees prefer a climate similar to California's, where they can grow under optimal conditions to produce quality fruit.

Their growth and fruiting patterns align with the needs of commercial growers and home gardeners looking for reliable avocado production.

22. Sir Prize Avocados

photo courtesy GoodEggs

Sir Prize avocados, descendants of the Hass variety, were developed in Southern California, where they remain a significant crop. These avocados are known for being more productive and cold-resistant than their forebears, thriving in both California and other avocado-growing regions.

Physical Description: This pear-shaped variety has smooth, thin green skin that darkens to purplish-black as it ripens, making it easier to peel compared to other types. The flesh is pale and creamy, with a nutty flavor and a slightly fibrous texture.

Ripening Times: Sir Prize avocados are harvested from October to January. As the fruit ripens post-harvest, its dark skin with lighter green stipules turns purplish-black, indicating its readiness for consumption.

Flavor Profile: The flavor of Sir Prize avocados is described as deliciously buttery, with a rich nuttiness akin to the popular Hass variety but with its unique characteristics.

Cultivation Zones: Predominantly cultivated in Southern California, Sir Prize avocados also grow well in other regions that support avocado cultivation, showing resilience to colder climates and light frost.

Size and Tree Characteristics: Sir Prize avocado trees are noted for their productivity and cold resistance. The variety is a B-type, capable of self-fertilizing, which enhances fruit production, especially when planted alongside complementary varieties like Hass or Lamb Hass to extend the harvest season.

23. Steward Avocados

Stewart Avocado also recognized as the Stewart Prolific originates from California. It adapts well to the warm climates of Southern California, making it a popular choice among home gardeners in hotter regions. Additionally, it is cultivated in parts of Mexico.

Physical Description: Stewart Avocados are small to medium in size, featuring smooth, thin, dark-green skin. The fruit, pear-shaped, varies in weight from 6 to 12 ounces. Its high oil content contributes to a creamy texture and a rich, nutty flavor, ideal for avocado crema.

Ripening Times: These avocados have a peak season from late fall through early winter. They are typically available from November to January, providing a winter harvest option.

Flavor Profile: Known for its rich nutty flavor, and is celebrated for its creamy texture, making it a favored ingredient in various culinary applications, especially for creating creamy sauces.

Cultivation Zones: Stewart Avocados thrive in Southern California's warm climate but are also grown in certain Mexican locales, showcasing their adaptability to hot climates.

Size and Tree Characteristics: The Stewart Avocado tree's suitability for hotter climates and its production of small to medium-sized fruit make it an excellent option for residential gardens, particularly in regions experiencing warmer weather.

24. West Indian Avocados

West Indian Avocados

Native to the tropical Americas, West Indian avocados are known for their smooth, glossy skin and large size. They thrive in warm, humid climates and are a significant crop in the Caribbean.

Physical Description: These avocados have a light green skin that remains smooth when ripe. The flesh is less dense and more watery compared to other varieties, with a mild flavor.

Ripening Times: They mature early in the season, offering a unique harvesting period distinct from other types.

Flavor Profile: Characterized by a subtle, slightly sweet taste.

Cultivation Zones: Best suited to tropical and subtropical regions, thriving in high humidity and temperatures.

Size and Tree Characteristics: Trees are vigorous and large, bearing fruit that can be significantly larger than other types, often weighing several pounds.

25. Wurtz Avocados

photo credit Greg Alder

Wurtz avocado, also known as "Little Cado," is a dwarf variety, making it ideal for small gardens or container growing. It originated from a hybridization program focused on creating compact trees with high-quality fruit.

Physical Description: This variety produces small to medium-sized fruit with smooth, thin skin that remains green when ripe. The flesh is creamy, with a rich, nutty flavor.

Ripening Times: Wurtz avocados ripen between spring and early summer.

Flavor Profile: Offers a rich, nutty, and creamy taste, similar to the Hass variety but with its own unique nuances.

Cultivation Zones: Suitable for zones 9 to 11, Wurtz avocados can thrive in both ground and container settings, making them versatile for various garden sizes.

Size and Tree Characteristics: The tree remains relatively small, which is perfect for limited spaces. Despite its compact size, it yields a generous amount of fruit.