This follows after one of the country’s leading producers, ZZ2, has launched 10 new varietals which are planted at different altitudes and come into season at different times during the year. This means that South African consumers can now not only choose between more varietals of the fruit, but also enjoy this green fruit all year round.
ZZ2's lower altitude orchards come into production in early March, while the higher altitude orchards produce until late December. Its nursery has the capacity to deliver 300,000 trees per annum.
These varietals form part of ZZ2 Afrikado’s Harmony avocados, and this range of locally grown avocados will contribute towards easing many of the logistical and cost pressures associated with important avocados from foreign markets.
Did you know?
- Typically, the local avocado season extends from February to November, and the majority of the fruit is picked from March to September.
- Although South Africa has about 800 hectares of new plantings annually, the country still cannot meet the growing demand for avocados.
- Traditionally, the country’s avocado market used to be dominated by the dark-skinned Hass and the green-skinned Fuerte varietals. The following types are currently available for in-season consumption: Maluma Hass, Lamb Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton, Ettinger, Ryan, Galil, Edranol, Itzamna and Simmonds.
- According to the South African Avocado Growers' Association, 80% of avocado trees produced in South African nurseries are the dark-skinned Hass and Hass-type. The rest of the 20% is made up mainly of the Fuerte.
Avocado facts:
- Avocado is the fruit of the avocado tree, scientifically known as Persea Americana.
- Because of its pear-shape and green, bumpy skin it is also referred to as an alligator pear.
- Avocados are very nutritious and contain a wide variety of nutrients, including 20 different vitamins and minerals.
- Avocados are very nutritious and contain a wide variety of nutrients, including 20 different vitamins and minerals.
- Avocados contain more potassium than bananas.
