The Hass avocado is a popular variety of avocado fruit with creamy green flesh and a rough, pebbly skin. It originated in Guatemala and was developed in the early 19th century. The fruit is mostly used raw and is commonly used to make guacamole. The original Hass avocado tree died in 2002, but the variety remains one of the most cultivated avocado varieties.
A Hass avocado is a type of avocado fruit that was developed in the early 19th century. Avocado, also commonly called alligator pear, comes from the Persea species tree. The Hass avocado has a large pit surrounded by creamy green flesh, which is protected by a rough, pebbly skin. Hass is one of the most cultivated avocado varieties.
Avocado trees originated in Guatemala, the West Indies and Mexico. Numerous strains have been developed from all of these original strains. The Hass avocado comes from a variety of trees in Guatemala. In general, avocados are a warm climate crop, but some varieties are more sensitive to cold than others. Guatemala varieties can withstand temperatures between 26° and 30° Fahrenheit (-3° to -1°C).
Rudolph Hass planted the original tree from a seed in 1926. The resulting avocados were found to be excellent, and the tree was cloned. Hass avocados make up the majority of crops under cultivation in 2011. The original tree, responsible for numerous clones and one of the most prized avocado varieties, developed root rot in 2002 and died.
Avocados do not reproduce true to seed. A seed from an excellent tree can produce mediocre fruit. Getting a good tree from a seed is possible but not common. Once a good variety is established, the trees are cloned for reliable fruit production.
The fruit of the Hass avocado ranges in size from 5 to 12 ounces. It has an oval shape and pebbly, coppery purple skin. This avocado peels easily thanks to its thick skin. Some types of thin-skinned avocados don’t peel easily. Even the creamy green flesh of the Hass is said to have a superior flavor.
An alternative to the traditional Hass avocado is Lamb Hass, summer producer. This cultivated variety is larger than traditional Hass avocados, growing to between 11.75 and 18.75 ounces when fully ripe. Lamb Hass avocados have the same oval shape and dark purple skin.
A ripe Hass avocado has dark skin. Before the fruit is fully ripe, it appears green in color. When fully ripe, the pulp is slightly pressed. Very soft Hass avocados should be avoided, as they are likely overripe.
Hass avocados are mostly used raw. The skin is peeled off the flesh and cut away from the hard seed. Hass avocados can be mashed and combined with lemon or lime juice, garlic, chili, and salt to make the traditional Mexican salsa guacamole. Avocados, including Hass varieties, can also be lightly cooked.
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