The Two Main Types of Avocados Exported from Kenya.
You may be surprised to learn that there are actually several types of avocados grown in Kenya, and this article will help explain what differentiates them from one another.
The African Avocado, a variety grown in warm climates such as Africa and South-east Asia, is a creamy fruit containing healthful fatty acids. Exotic to the rest of the world, avocados are a very common fruit in Africa. Kenyan avocados are famous and highly sought after. In this article, we’ll let you in on the different types and what to expect as you explore them. The majority of Kenya’s exported avocados are Hass and Fuerte varieties. From the farms, the fruit is sent straight to pack houses where it is processed and parked, ready to ship. Exporters like Kenya Fresh Produce and Exporters Ltd work with clients to coordinate large orders and deliver the desired quality of avocado.
Hass avocados from Kenya have a stronger rich taste than other avocados and are crispier. They are harvested when the skin turns dark and the inside is white-green. The trees for this specific breed is semi spreading, with climate conditions being subtropical climates in Kenya. The yield from a single tree can go up to 60 fruits on average. Hass avocados from Kenya may continue to be a good investment because many small-scale farmers are switching to growing them so as to meet the global demand.
Our Fuerte avocados are pear-shaped with skin that is thin and glossy. It has a green color with textured and loose skin which makes the Fuerte easy to peel and eat. The Fuerte avocado weighs nearly 100 gm. Its season begins between March to April and matures in 6-8 months after flowering. The Fuerte is more popular in Kenya than it is in South Africa.
Avocados are a popular ingredient in many different dishes because of their creamy texture and strong flavor. South Africa is the leading avocado exporter in the world. Avocados from Kenya are shipped around the world and especially to Europe. Europe buys the most avocados because of the overall lacking climate for growing avocados.
The national and county government are both highly invested in avocado farming. KEPHIS, part of the Ministry of Agriculture, and HCD – the body responsible for setting standards and regulating exports – have been taking several proactive steps to help local avocado farmers meet international standards.
By Maureen Njeri.