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Avocado is a unique exotic fruit that grows in tropical or subtropical climates. In addition to the delicate taste of the pulp, it is famous for its high content of micro- and macroelements. Hass avocado is the most common variety of this fruit, which can be purchased in stores throughout the year.
Description of Hass avocado
Avocado is often called alligator pear, or American Perseus. This is an evergreen low tree with fruits of the same name. Hass avocado is one of the varieties that was bred from two types: Mexican and Guatemalan.
American Rudolf Hass successfully sprouted a seed in his garden. Interestingly, he took the bone from one restaurant after a hearty dinner. After rooting, he grafted onto the seedling a branch from another variety, which he brought from Peru. This variety was named after his family name when he applied for a patent in 1935. After this, the enterprising Californian sold the seedlings to a local nursery. Since then, the variety has been successfully cultivated in the United States and is called Californian.Due to the peculiarities of translation, Californian avocados in Russia are often called Hass or Haas: both names imply the same variety.
The fruits ripen on trees growing up to 20 m. A special feature of the plant is the year-round falling of leaves. Bisexual flowers bloom in the axils of the leaves. Fruits begin to appear on the upper branches, and then on the lower ones. During the season, up to 200 kg of fruits are collected from one tree.
Brief description of Hass fruits:
- epileptic or pear-shaped;
- their weight can reach 500 g, and, on average, is 300 - 350 g;
- peel: dense, lumpy or smooth.
When an avocado is fully ripe, the skin color can be almost black: this can be seen in numerous photos of the Hass variety. The pulp has a light green tint. The taste is creamy, buttery with nutty notes. The ripe fruit of the Hass variety is soft, the stone is easily separated.
The Hass variety is grown in Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and Spain. It grows successfully in moist, light soils and tolerates rainy seasons and periods of drought.
How does Hass avocado differ from regular avocados?
First of all, the difference between a Hass avocado and a regular avocado lies in the shade of the peel: when fully ripe, it becomes black. The fruits of other varieties are usually green and light green in color.
The Hass variety tolerates transportation and storage well, which may differ from other varieties. The fruits of the Hass variety ripen on trees all year round, unlike other common varieties.The pulp is most suitable for making classic guacomole due to its special nutty taste.
Hass | Other varieties |
Pear-shaped. | Round shape. |
Bright pronounced taste. | Weakly expressed taste. |
Increased oiliness. | Medium oiliness. |
Benefits of Hass avocado
Hass avocado is consumed raw. Heat treatment destroys the fibers and deprives the fruit of its basic beneficial properties. As a rule, avocados are included in dishes that must be eaten freshly prepared.
The pulp is valued due to its high content of essential oils, which have unique beneficial properties. This feature increases the beneficial properties of the fruit:
- Micro- and macroelements give the fruits of the Hass variety the ability to positively influence metabolic processes in the body. This quality is especially useful for those who suffer from diseases of the digestive tract.
- Pyridoxine, which fills the pulp in large quantities, prevents the appearance of atherosclerotic plaques and helps improve blood counts.
- Monosaturated fatty acids become an activator of regeneration processes, which helps improve the general condition of the body.
- Vitamin D contained in the pulp helps normalize the growth of the skeletal system and also affects the strengthening of blood vessels.
- Of particular value is the oil contained in the pulp. It helps reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, as it has a strengthening effect on the heart muscle and stabilizes the activity of hematopoietic processes.
- Vitamin E and B vitamins have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, nails, and hair.
- Folic acid, which is contained in the pulp, is beneficial for expectant mothers.
- Due to its fiber content, the fruit affects the digestive system. It helps to more actively digest food and remove toxic substances from the body.
- Oleic and palmetic acids improve brain activity and also interfere with the processes that underlie the formation of cancer cells.
In addition, avocado is used as an ingredient for the preparation of cosmetics. Thanks to the fatty oils that the fruit contains, the process of active regeneration occurs at the cellular level. This quality is used by cosmetologists who include oil extracts in their compositions.
Face, body and hair masks are prepared at home. The Hass variety is much better suited for this than others, as it contains a higher amount of oil. The benefits of eating Hass avocado become noticeable if you consume the fruit regularly.
How to choose a Hass avocado
When choosing a fruit, you should take into account the characteristics of the culture. The Hass variety, unlike other varieties, is chosen based on the color of its peel. If it is not ripe, the peel will be light green. When ripe it becomes almost black.
There are several accompanying signs that indicate the ripeness of the fruit:
- the area where the cutting is located should be smooth and light brown;
- the fruit should be moderately soft to the touch;
- when shaken, the bone inside should tremble slightly;
- a ripe fruit weighs more than an unripe one;
- the peel should be smooth, without damage or scratches;
- in a ripe fruit, when pressing on the area of the stalk, a few drops of oil are released.
If the fruit is too soft, it means that the fruit is already overripe. There are several varieties of ripeness at this stage.Many consumers are wondering whether it is possible to cook overripe fruit and whether it will be harmful to health.
- A completely dark fruit with slimy contents and a stone covered with plaque should not be consumed.
- If the flesh of a Hass avocado is uniformly brown inside, with dark veins and dots, then the fruit is spoiled.
- Black dots on the flesh of a light, even shade indicate that ripeness has been achieved; they can be cut out with a knife and cooked according to the planned recipe.
How to eat avocado
Avocados are used to prepare a variety of dishes. Fruits can be the main ingredient or an auxiliary additive.
After purchasing, the fruit is cut into 2 parts and the pit is removed. Due to the increased iron content, the pulp quickly darkens when exposed to air. They prefer to cook avocados immediately after cutting, and to prevent browning they use small culinary tricks:
- sprinkle the halves with lemon juice;
- The pulp is generously coated with olive oil.
The cut fruit can be stored in the refrigerator for 24 hours in a hermetically sealed container. After cutting, the bone is removed using a spoon. A ripe Hass avocado has a light brown pit.
Hass avocado is used to prepare puree soup, salads, sauces, and cocktails. The fruit goes well with tomatoes, seafood and herbs. Raw, fresh avocado can be a light snack when placed on a slice of grain bread, drizzled with olive oil, and seasoned with salt and pepper.
When purchasing an unripe avocado, it is left to ripen. In order to speed up the process, use one of the suitable methods:
- place in a paper bag and put away where it is warm and dry;
- Bananas or apples are placed next to avocados, which emit ethylene, which accelerates the process of tissue softening.
To soften a hard avocado before cooking, housewives use some tricks:
- the fruit is placed in the microwave for 30 seconds, after covering it with a napkin (exposure to magnetic waves leads to softening of the tissues, the fruit becomes soft, it can be cut and cooked);
- The avocado is wrapped in foil and placed on the oven rack, left for 10 - 15 minutes. at a temperature of 200 °C.
These methods help make the pulp suitable for cutting and cooking, but have a significant impact on taste.
In addition, avocados can be frozen. It is usually frozen as a puree. To do this, the ripe pulp is cut into pieces and then pureed. Add a few tablespoons of lemon or lime juice to the mixture. The mixture is leveled at the bottom of the container and stored in the cold. When frozen, the pureed mixture will begin to expand, so do not fill the container to the brim. Frozen puree can be stored in this way for up to 6 months.
Weight of Hass avocado without pit
The average fruit weight of the Hass variety varies from 150 to 350 g. The fruits ripen all year round and are transported slightly unripe, as they ripen quickly at normal temperatures.
A ripe fruit pit can weigh about 50 - 70 g. When the pit is removed, the fruit will become much lighter, but will remain heavy. The weight of a ripe fruit largely depends on the oil content.
Hass avocado calories
The content of healthy fatty acids determines the calorie content of Hass avocado: on average, 1 pc. The fruit contains about 160 kcal. Of this, about 15 g is fat. At the same time, the fruit is not a food product that can provoke fat deposition. This is explained by the fact that the substances contained in the fruit can be quickly and easily absorbed.
This quality of avocados is used when planning a diet menu. The fruit saturates the body, but fats are not deposited, but are transformed into useful energy.
Nutritionists recommend cooking avocado for breakfast or using it as a snack before dinner. Morning consumption of fruit activates the body's metabolic processes and helps stabilize digestion at an early stage.
Conclusion
Hass avocado is a common alligator pear variety known for its excellent taste and unusual skin color. The variety is distinguished by its ability to withstand long-term transportation and storage. It is used to prepare delicious, healthy dishes, and also as a herbal supplement that can have a positive effect on health.
