The Hass variety was developed early in the 19th 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:
- Hass trees have a much higher fruit yield
- 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.
- Hass avocado contains higher oil levels which give it a better taste
- Hass avocado has a longer shelf-life
- Hass trees are vigorous growers and easy to propagate
- Hass trees mature and yield fruit faster. Hass trees start bearing fruit after three to four years while Fuerte trees start after six years.
- 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.
- 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 dollars or 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.
Hass Avocado Price per kg in Kenya
The average price of a kilo of Hass avocado in Kenya is between Sh20-Sh30 during a bountiful season. Prices in the local market for a single Hass avocado fruit start at Sh8 depending on size. But during the off-season, between November and February, Hass avocado in Kenya can go up to as high as Sh50 per kilo from Sh30.
Hass Avocado Seedlings Prices in Kenya
The price of one Hass avocado seedling in Kenya that is ready to plant is Sh150.
Hass Avocado Nutrition Information
Hass avocado is one of the most nutrient-dense foods around. Here is the nutrition breakdown for a serving of one Hass avocado:
- Calories: 227
- Fat: 21g
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sodium: 11mg
- Potassium: 690mg (20% of the daily value)
- Vitamin A: 4% of the daily value
- Vitamin C: 20% of the daily value
- Calcium: 4% of the daily value
- Iron: 6% of the daily value
- Vitamin B6: 30% of the daily value
- Folate: 41% of the daily value
- Vitamin E: 28% of the daily value
- Vitamin K: 35% of the daily value
- Copper: 42% of the daily value
- Vitamin B3: 22% of the daily value
- Magnesium: 14% of the daily value
Hass Avocado Benefits
Considering the cost, Hass avocado is good for you in so many ways. Here are some health benefits of eating the nutritious and delicious Hass avocados:
- Hass avocado is high in a number of important nutrients that are often lacking in many people’s diets. They are one of the best sources of healthy fats. They also provide nutrients like magnesium, potassium, Vitamins B6, C and E are essential for the health of the immune system.
- Hass avocado is rich in fiber which is essential for a healthy digestive system.
- The vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and fiber found in Hass avocado protect you against heart disease.
- Hass avocado is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds such as carotenoids, Vitamins C and E and phenolic compounds.
- The healthy fat content and high fiber in Hass avocado help you feel full therefore improving weight loss and maintaining a healthy body weight.
- Eating Hass avocado can help pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers get enough of certain vitamins and minerals that are needed in greater amounts. These are Vitamins C and B6, folate and potassium.
Ways to Use Hass Avocado
Hass avocados are not only highly nutritious but they can also be used in a different kinds of recipes. Here are some ideas of how to include more Hass avocado in your diet:
- Sprinkle half of a Hass avocado with a bit of salt and pepper and enjoy it just plain.
- Use Hass avocado as a side dish to your githeri (mixture of maize and beans)
- Smash Hass avocado on top of toast or a half roasted sweet potato.
- Pair half a Hass avocado with eggs for a filling breakfast.
- Top soups and chilies with sliced Hass avocado.
- Put frozen chunks of Hass avocado into smoothies for a source of healthy fat.
- Mix Hass avocado with salads.
- Make a classic guacamole with ingredients like Hass avocado, onion, tomato, dhania (coriander) and lemon.
- Top chicken breasts with a salad of tomato and cubed Hass avocado.
- Top your favorite burger or sandwich with sliced Hass avocado.