Types of Avocados in Central Florida

The fruit that was once referred to as "midshipman's butter" has become a staple in many American grocery stores. Avocados are widely touted for nutritional benefits such as fiber, folic acid, vitamin E and healthy fats that can contribute to heart health when eaten in moderation. Florida and California are the United States' main producers of domestic avocados. Florida grows three main types of avocados, including many different varieties of each type.

West Indian avocados bloom from February through March. According to the University of Florida, young trees can withstand temperatures as cold as 28 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit; mature trees can withstand temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit. West Indian avocado varieties include Donnie, Dupuis, Hardee and Simmonds. Donnie, or Doni, avocados are between 1 1/2 and 2 lbs. Doni avocados are harvested from May through June, before hurricane season poses a threat to crops. Dupuis avocados bloom from June through August with fruits ranging from 12 to 24 ounces. Dupuis trees are very sensitive to damage from cold temperatures. Unlike other West Indian varieties, Hardee avocados have red skin. These avocados can be harvested from July through August; fruits range from 1 to 2 lbs. The Simmonds avocado is the most popular early season variety; Simmonds avocados bloom from June through August with fruit ranging from 1 to 1 1/2 lbs.

Mexican avocados are characterized by thin, tender skin and foliage that smells similar to anise or licorice. According to Purdue University, Mexican avocados are more resistant to cold. Varieties grown in Florida include Puebla, Gottfried and Oro Negro. Puebla avocados are characterized by smooth, purple skin. According to Purdue University, the Puebla avocado is frequently recommended for Central Florida gardeners due to the tree's superior cold hardiness. Fruit can be harvested in September and October. Gottfried avocados have been planted in Florida since the early 1900s. Purple, smooth skin and creamy fruit characterize the Gottfried variety, which can be harvested from August through October. The Oro Negro avocado are a Mexican hybrid, characterized by its black skin and its buttery flesh. The fruit can be harvested from November through January.

Guatemalan avocados have variable skin types ranging from thin and delicate to thick and gritty. Varieties bloom in March and April, yielding fruits that range from 1/2 to 5 lbs. Trees are hardy in temperatures as cold as 24 to 26 degrees Fahrenheit. Varieties include Tonnage, Hall and Reed. The Tonnage avocado is an older variety that is not frequently used due to its short harvesting season, which lasts for three weeks in September. Hall avocados are pear-shaped and tolerant to cooler temperatures. Harvest avocados in October and November. Reed avocados originated in California and were introduced to the Florida landscape in an effort to extend success in the late season. These avocados are ripe and ready for harvest in December and January.