Brazil is one of the largest producers of avocados in the world. The fruit is gaining popularity for its nutritional properties and great taste, but there is still much to be discovered about it internationally.
The most popular avocado in the world is the Hass species. It is responsible for popular preparations such as guacamole because it is rich in good fat and has a dense texture. But when it comes to tropical avocados, Brazil takes it further.
Brazilian climate conditions make it possible to grow many species of avocados all year round in different regions and with a lot of diversity. Today, Brazilian farmers plant avocados in a total of 10 thousand hectares, with a production of 213 thousand tons of fruit.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in 2020 Brazil exported 4.4 tons of avocados, mainly to Europe. Most of these avocados are from the same species (Hass), but the goal is to make the world know more about the tropical varieties.
From guacamole to smoothies, the diversity of tropical avocados allows the world to taste its richness in every imaginable way. We have selected seven of them to give you a taste of the possibilities.
Avocado (Hass)
The tiniest from the avocado family is well known for its dark peel. This popular type of avocado is dense and very concentrated on good fats, vitamins, antioxidants, and mineral salts.
Breda
Drop-shaped like the famous avocado, this species is also small when compared to other tropical avocados, but it looks quite different, with green skin and a little softer texture. Great for salads or sweeter guacamole.
Fortuna
One of the most popular Brazilian species, as it is well adapted to climate conditions of every region and it is capable of feeding families all year long. The Fortuna’s sweet flavor is perfect to eat in a very Brazilian way: with a few drops of lime and a pinch of sugar.
Geada
This is our “summer avocado.” It grows between December and February and it has a yellow pulp that is great to eat when very cold. With less fat and a more watery texture, this one is great for sweet refreshing smoothies and creams.
Margarida
This round-shaped avocado has a thicker skin, a yellowish pulp, and a small seed inside. This one also tastes amazing in juices and vitamins. The good news is that Brazilians can find it almost all year long, especially between May and December.
Ouro verde
Brazil is lucky enough to have either summer or winter avocados. Ouro Verde (“Green Gold” in Portuguese) keeps Brazilians well fed throughout the winter, between July and August. This species has a thick green skin to protect its treasure: a smooth flesh, balanced in softness and firmness: great for healthy creamy desserts.
Quintal
Creamy like butter, this one is very big and with a great amount of pulp in only one fruit. This shiny skin has the name of Quintal (“Backyard”) for a reason: it is very common in Brazilian homes. This one is also great for smoothies, creams, and toasts.