Avocado is an exotic fruit for Russia; it appeared on store shelves not long ago. Many people are interested in the fruit because of its beneficial properties. It contains large quantities of vitamins, macro- and microelements, essential and essential acids, fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber. Of the presented assortment, the Haas avocado variety is considered the most useful; it differs not only in composition, but also in appearance.
Botanical description of the species
Avocado (Āhuacatl) is a fruit tree belonging to the genus Perseus of the Laurel family. The tree is tall, up to 20 m, evergreen, with a straight trunk and a branched crown. The leaves are bright green, shiny, dense, reach 35 cm in length, elongated oval in shape, the bottom leaf plate is pale green with pronounced veins. The flowers are bisexual, small, inconspicuous, white-green, located in the axils of the leaves.
The fruits have an elliptical, pear-shaped, spherical shape, depending on the variety. The skin is rough, smooth or lumpy, green, light green, dark green. The pulp is sweet, fatty, high-calorie, greenish or yellow-green in color. The weight of the fruit can reach 2 kg, the minimum is 50 g. The length is from 5 to 20 cm. In the middle of the berry there is a small stone, spherical, light brown in color.
The plant is partially self-fertile; some varieties can be harvested all year round, like the Haas avocado.
History of variety development
An interesting fact: thanks to its qualities, avocados have become very popular in the USA, Canada, Mexico, and China; they have begun to influence the economies of countries. Haas avocado is a large fruit up to 300 g, the skin is lumpy, dark green, almost black, and has the popular name “alligator pear.”
The variety was bred from two varieties of Mexican and Guatemalan avocados; amateur gardener Rudolf Haas planted 3 seeds in 1926, which he received from a restaurant in California. There were many attempts at germination, one seedling grew strong and viable, then Rudolf was able to graft a branch from the Fuerte variety onto it.
The fruits turned out to be of unusual color, with a unique sweet taste and oily aftertaste.
A few years later, in 1935, the gardener patented his variety and entered into a large contract with a nursery in Whittier, California. This variety provided the basis for most of the avocados planted in America. Subsequently, the mother tree bore fruit for about 76 years, after which it died from root rot in 2002; a memorial plaque was erected in its honor near the planting site.
How is it different from normal
The Haas variety differs from ordinary avocados in appearance, nutritional value, taste and area of application.
External parameters of the bush
Appearance home grown avocado has no decorative value, since the leaves often fall off. It grows quickly, it needs a deep pot, as the root system goes deep.
The appearance and taste of the fruit
The fruit is medium-sized, weighing from 150 g to 300 g, size 8-15 cm, the skin is rougher, dark green. The shape is pear-shaped, with a chocolate-colored seed inside. The fruit tastes fatty, oily, sweet, with a nutty flavor. The vitamin content exceeds 15-18%.
Region of growth and suitable climatic conditions
To grow avocados, you need a warm climate, subtropical or tropical. Industrial cultivation in the USA, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Africa, Israel, Spain, China, Australia, Ecuador. Grows on slopes with a humid climate, in well-moistened and light soil. In the climatic conditions of Russia it is difficult to grow, only in indoor conditions or in a greenhouse.
When growing at home, you should remember that avocado leaves are toxic and can be harmful to health.
Where are the fruits of this plant used?
Avocado fruits are used for cooking and cosmetics.Extracts and oil are made from the seeds of the fruit, which are also used in folk medicine and cosmetology.
Cooking
The most popular avocado dish is “Guacomolle,” made from grated fruit with the addition of lemon or lime juice and other vegetables and spices. Vegetarians often use the fruit as food because it contains a large amount of protein. It is used to make salads and added to hot dishes, sushi, rolls, confectionery and cocktails.
Cosmetology
Pulp and oil are added in the production of cosmetics for skin and hair care. It helps improve skin elasticity, nourishes and moisturizes it. The oil is added to creams that have an antiseptic effect, it helps to regenerate tissue, promotes rapid healing of wounds, and eliminates some skin diseases - dermatitis, seborrhea, psoriasis.
Haas is used for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, and the fruit also helps reduce weight due to its large amount of fiber.
