Florida Avocados (That Big Avocado!)

Florida Avocados a.k.a. Big Avocados!

Well, I don't really know if other people call them 'Big Avocados', but that's pretty much what they are, Dearies. A Florida avocado is a large variety of avocado grown in Miami-Dade and Collier counties for commercial production. Although one can easily find one of these trees just walking through a neighborhood here in Florida. Indeed, I have one here in my subtropical hollow right outside my front door! But despite the abundance of these trees here in the sunshine state, Florida Avocado trees are indigenous to Mexico and parts of South America.

Either way, the fruits of this tree are delicious and so very healthful. There are a few different cultivars of this fruit, but on average a Florida avocado has about 50% less fat than its very popular cousin, the Hass avocado. They are also super rich in Fiber, as one of these lovelies has about 17 grams of crude fiber. That's impressive if one considers that the daily recommended value of fiber for one person is between 20-25 grams.

How to use: A Florida avocado is usually ready to be placed on sandwiches and/or wraps and mixed into guacamoles when they darken in color. Though I have had one that stayed quite green-I realized it was ready only due to touching it and feeling a softness in the flesh below the skin. So place them on a sunny window seal or next to some ripe bananas (the gases from the bananas will cause ripening). Feel them once or twice a day to see how they are coming along. I almost always notice mine seem to be somewhat dark and soft to the touch about 2 days after purchase.

Here's a recipe:

Florida Avocado Guacamole-Serves 3-4

1 Large Florida Avocado (fleshed)

1-2 Tbsp. Organic Mayo or Vegenaise

2 Tbsp. Red Onion (minced)

1 Tbsp. Fresh Cilantro (chopped)

1 Clove Garlic (minced)

1-1 1/4 Tsp. Cumin

1/2-1 Tsp. Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce*

1/2 Tbsp. Red Wine Vinegar

1/4-1/2 Tsp. Salt

*One can also just use red and black pepper to taste in order to add spice...

Place all of the ingredients above in a large mixing bowl. Mix with a fork and use the fork to break down the avocado flesh to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Eat immediately! If some is leftover, be sure to place plastic wrap immediately up against the guacamole in addition to covering the container with a lid and/or plastic wrap.

Enjoy!

p.s. Florida avocados are in season now and through the winter here in the states!