What’s the difference between green-skinned and dark-skinned avocados?

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Whether you love green-skinned or dark-skinned avocados more, there is good news. Both varieties are available in South Africa almost all year round! Plus, when it comes to getting creative in the kitchen, dark-skinned and green-skinned avos shine equally brightly. There's no end to their uses in snacks, light meals, starters, main meals, desserts, bakes and even sweet treats. But there are subtle differences between the two.

Green-skinned avocados

These avos are more on the buttery side. They are available from March until October and the varieties include Fuerte, Edranol, Ryan, Reed and Pinkerton. Green-skinned avos also remain green when ripe. The best way to tell if the avo is ripe is with the fruit stalk. Touch it gently and it should fall off into your hand. If the stalk hole left behind has a soft greenish-yellow colour, the fruit inside should be perfect. If there is any sign of blackness or discolouration under the stalk, the fruit could be bruised or over-ripe. If the stalk is still firmly attached, the avo isn’t ripe yet and needs a few more days in the fruit bowl.

Dark-skinned avocados

These avos are on the richer nuttier side. They are available between March until November, so one month longer than green-skinned avos. Varieties include Hass, Maluma Hass and Lamb Hass. When they are ripe and ready to eat the avo's skin turns purple-black in colour. You can also use the fruit stalk method to check the ripeness of these avos. Regardless of the kind of avo you have, remember to never squeeze them, that only damages the fruit.

Why avocados are the best

According to the South Africa Avocado Growers Association (SAAGA) these are the best things about avos:

• High in energy
• High in heart-healthy fats
• High in vitamin K
• High in biotin
• Cholesterol free
• Sodium free
• A source of fibre

In the mood for some avo? Here are 6 jaw-dropping recipes to try

We all know that avocados are one of the most versatile fruits around. It’s not hard to see why – they can be mashed, diced, sliced and puréed for everything from guacamole to salads, pizza toppings, sandwich and wrap fillings, soups, snacks and dips, and more. Here are 6 recipes that showcase the versatility of avocados.

1. Avo ritz fish burger

Sure you've had avo ritz, but have you ever had it on a burger? This recipe combines the best of both worlds to create the ultimate seafood burger!

Find the recipe for avo ritz fish burger here.

2. Avocado and lime loaf cake with lime drizzle

This is your sign to try making an avo loaf cake. The avo gives the cake an amazing moist texture and the lime drizzle is super easy to make. It will definitely make tea time better!

Find the recipe for avocado and lime loaf cake with lime drizzle here. 

3. Deep-fried pickles on flatbread

This cajun-inspired dish is made even better with the addition of a creamy avocado dressing. The dressing is super easy to make and will work with other dishes as well.

Find the recipe for Deep-fried pickles on flatbread here.

3. Avo chocolate mousse

If you haven't already tried, this is your sign to make avo chocolate mousse. You only need 4 ingredients to make it and it's crazy delicious. Serve with berries to make it fancy or enjoy as is.

Find the recipe for avo chocolate mousse here.

5. Avo potato salad

If you're tired of the same old potato salad, this avo version by Mogau Seshoene, a.k.a The Lazy Makoti, will blow your mind. She replaces mayo, for a creamy, dreamy avo dressing that is sure to be a hit at all the braais you serve it at.

Find the recipe for avo potato salad here. 

6. Panko-crumbed avo chips

This snack comes together in 15 minutes and the contrast between the crispy panko and creamy avo is just perfection.

Find the recipe for panko-crumbed avo chips here. 

So, no matter what you’re planning for your next meal always add an avo; whether on the side, on top or inside – green or dark-skinned – for double the deliciousness!

For further information and avo recipes, visit avocado.co.za or follow iloveavocadoSA on Facebook and Instagram.

Photographs: South African Avocado Growers’ Association | TASTE