Avocados are members of the family Lauraceae, which includes the plants that produce edible cinnamon, camphor, sassafras and the herb laurel (bay leaf). Avocado varieties are identified as being either Type A or Type B. The zutano avocado is a B variety. It is also known as a green skinned variety along with Fuerte and Reed avocados. These varieties maintain their green colouring when ripe and are thinner skinned, which naturally makes them more susceptible to diseases.

The zutano avocado is a pear-shaped fruit with a shiny, waxy green peel. Though resembling a Fuerte avocado in shape and color, the zutano is considered inferior as its flesh is not as creamy or rich in flavor, rather it can have a higher water content and often become fibrous, leading to many less edible fruits. Its flavor is mild and clean.

Geography/History

There are three races of avocados: Guatemalan, Mexican and West Indian. While each has distinctive features, cross-pollination permits the development of unlimited varieties. Zutano avocados are of Mexican origin, though they are primarily cultivated in Fallbrook CA, where they were introduced by W.L Ruitt in 1926. Zutano avocados were popular in the mid to late 20th century, but today they are not grown for major commercial production, rather they are considered a farmers market avocado, filling in as a secondary variety when Hass avocados are not readily available.

Seasons/Availability

The zutano avocado is available from late fall until late winter.