New Variety of Avocado Emerges: A Side-by-Side Analysis
The Hass avocado, a staple in Kiwi kitchens, remains abundant and affordable this season, costing approximately 99c at Pak'nSave. But there's a new contender on the horizon - the Harricado avocado.
This new variety was first grown in the country by Nelson's orchardist, Harry Pearson. The Harricado, if it becomes commercially available, could revolutionise the avocado scene, offering a lighter and fluffier texture that could be perfect for making guacamole.
The person promoting the spread of the Harricado Avos in New Zealand remains unknown, but Harry Pearson is working with the New Zealand Tree Crops Association to make this avocado more widely available.
In a taste test, the Harricado was an absolute delight, boasting a light, almost fluffy texture. The Reed avocado, on the other hand, had the creamiest texture when mashed for guacamole. The Gem avocado, however, was the overall crowd favourite for its fresh full flavour.
The Harricado, with its rich amber-colored skin, stood out for its unique texture, while the Reed had a deeper color compared to the others. The Gem avocado, like the Hass, has a sturdy, textured skin, while the Reed and Harricado have smooth, thin skins that are easier to peel off.
In a salad, the Reed avocado stood out for its colour and ability to hold its shape well. The Harricado, while less vibrant in colour compared to the Reed, still offered a delightful taste experience.
All the tested avocados - Hass, Gem, Harricado, and the younger Reed - had gloriously green flesh with barely any blemishes.
Google reveals that the three most popular ways to enjoy avocado are as guacamole, on toast, and in salads. With the arrival of the Harricado and the Reed, New Zealanders might have even more ways to enjoy this versatile fruit.
As for the Hass avocado, it's still most likely to mash up a bit in a salad toss. But don't let that deter you - its creamy texture and rich flavour continue to make it a favourite among many.
The Harricado, a new variety discovered this year, adds an exciting twist to the avocado scene. Whether it becomes a commercial success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain - the avocado lover in New Zealand has even more reasons to celebrate.
