Fresh Avocados Hass/ Fuerte

Description

The Hass variety was developed early in the 19^th century. Today, Hass is the most common kind of avocado that you will find in the market. Hass is the most marketable avocado variety because it ships and stores well.

How to Identify Hass Avocado

Even when they are not fruiting, Hass avocado trees are beautiful tropical trees. The rich, buttery flavor and smooth texture of Hass avocados make them one of the most versatile fruits. The Hass avocado has:

• A large pit
• A creamy, green flesh
• A rough, pebbly skin
• A thick skin that darkens from green to purplish black when fully ripe
• An oval shape
• A medium to large size
• High-fat flesh
• A smooth, nutty flavor

Why are Hass Avocados so Popular?

In the late 1920s, the industry standard for avocados was set by the Fuerte variety. Here are some factors that made the Hass variety more popular compared to the Fuerte:

1. Hass trees have a much higher fruit yield
2. Hass trees can produce fruit all year long. Hass has the longest harvest season of any avocado variety around. The main harvest season of Hass avocado in Kenya is from May to October.
3. Hass avocado contains higher oil levels which give it a better taste
4. Hass avocado has a longer shelf-life
5. Hass trees are vigorous growers and easy to propagate
6. Hass trees mature and yield fruit faster. Hass trees start bearing fruit after three to four years while Fuerte trees start after six years.
7. Hass trees alternate their production of fruit every other year. This means they give a bountiful harvest one year and recover the next year with a light harvest. This is unlike Fuerte trees which struggle with over production every year.
8. Hass trees limit their yield by moderating the duration of blooming and the amount of blooming flowers. But the Fuerte trees have longer blooms and too many blooming flowers leading to over bearing.

Hass Avocado Export Price

Hass avocados are most in demand in the export market because of their superior ripening characteristics. Trade prices for Hass avocado shift mostly depending on the available volume.

Selling prices of Hass avocado vary from US8 dollars-US11 dollars per 4kg box. Peak prices go up to US14 dollars per box for excellent quality and when supply is scarce. But bottom prices of US4 dollarsor US5 dollars have also been recorded during periods of oversupply.

Avocado exporters in Kenya buy Hass avocado at Sh10-Sh17 per fruit compared to Sh3 for Fuerte avocado. The prices of Hass avocado per kilo range from US1.25 dollars–US1.75 dollars.

Hass avocado costs more in the export market  because China has recently joined the global import trade of avocado.