Hass avocado farming in Kenya has emerged as a promising agribusiness, attracting the attention of both seasoned and aspiring farmers. The creamy, rich fruit of the Hass avocado (Persea americana Mill.) has gained immense popularity worldwide, and Kenya’s favorable climate and conducive growing conditions have positioned the country as a significant player in the avocado market. However, what many farmers may not be aware of is the diversity within the Hass avocado family. Kenya is home to not just one, but three remarkable Hass avocado varieties that offer unique characteristics and potential for higher returns.

In this informative article compiled by Farmers Trend, we aim to shed light on these three distinct Hass avocado varieties: the Golden Hass, the Giant Hass, and the Pure or Original Hass. It is our mission to equip farmers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their avocado farming ventures, as each of these varieties holds the promise of fetching higher prices in the market.

These varieties have unique characteristics that set them apart, making them worthy of consideration for farmers seeking to diversify and maximize their avocado crop yields.

Why Hass Avocado?

• It is the most popular variety
• It is available all year round
• It has a rich, nutty flavor
• It has a buttery, creamy texture
• Its skin turns from green to purplish-black when ripe
• It is an oval-shaped fruit
• It has a rough, pebbly skin
• It has a small to medium size seed
• It is a medium to large fruit (140g–336g)
• Its main harvest season in Kenya is from May
• It takes less time to mature and produces more yield than other varieties of avocados.

1. Pure Hass Avocado Variety (Traditional Hass or Original Hass)

The Pure Hass avocado also known as Traditional Hass or Original Hass in Kenya is the most popular hass avocado variety in the world. It is known for its rich, creamy flavor, long shelf life, and versatility. Pure / Original Hass avocados are typically pear-shaped with a dark green skin that turns purplish-black when ripe.

Characteristics of the Traditional Hass Avocado

• Size: Pure / Original Hass avocados are typically medium to large in size.
• Shape: Pure / Original Hass avocados have a pear-shaped shape with a pointed end and a rounded bottom.
• Color: Skin Texture and Color: The skin of Pure / Original Hass avocados transitions from green to purplish-black as it ripens. This textured skin makes it easy to identify and distinguish from other avocado varieties.
• Flavor: Pure / Original Hass avocados have a rich, creamy flavor with a slightly nutty undertone.
• Oil content: Pure / Original Hass avocados have a high oil content, making them ideal for guacamole and other dishes.

Tree Characteristics:

1. Size: A mature Pure / Original Hass avocado tree is typically a medium-sized evergreen tree, reaching heights of 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters). The canopy of the tree is typically dense, providing ample shade for the fruit it bears.
2. Leaves: The leaves of a Pure / Original Hass avocado tree are elliptical and dark green, with a glossy appearance. They are arranged alternately on the branches and can measure 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters) in length.
3. Blossoms: Pure / Original Hass avocado trees produce small, greenish-yellow flowers. These flowers are unique in that they are typically hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive organs within the same flower. While some avocado varieties rely on cross-pollination, Traditional Hass avocados often exhibit “self-pollination,” meaning that the pollen from the male parts of the flower can fertilize the female parts, leading to fruit production.

Benefits of the Pure / Original Hass Avocado

• Versatility: Traditional Hass avocados are a versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of culinary applications. They can be eaten fresh, used in salads, sandwiches, and wraps, or made into guacamole, dips, and other spreads.
• Nutritional value: Traditional Hass avocados are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins C and E. They are also low in calories and carbohydrates.
• Availability: Traditional Hass avocados are widely available in supermarkets and grocery stores year-round.

Potential Disadvantages of the Pure / Original Hass Avocado

• Susceptibility to pests and diseases: Pure / Original Hass avocados are susceptible to certain pests and diseases, such as avocado thrips and Phytophthora root rot.
• Water sensitivity: Pure / Original Hass avocados are sensitive to overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

2. Giant Hass Avocado Variety

The Giant Hass avocado is a variety of Hass avocado that has been bred to be larger than the Pure / Original Hass avocado. It is also said to have a higher oil content and a slightly sweeter flavor.

The giant Hass avocado tree typically begins to produce fruit within three to four years of planting.

Cultivating Giant Hass avocados involves techniques similar to those used for conventional Hass avocados. These avocados thrive in subtropical and tropical regions with well-drained soil and ample sunlight.

Characteristics of the Giant Hass Avocado

1. Size: As the name suggests, the most noticeable feature of the Giant Hass avocado is its size. These avocados can grow significantly larger than traditional Hass avocados.
2. Skin Texture: The skin of the Giant Hass avocado remains consistent with the Hass variety, displaying a pebbly texture that changes from green to purplish-black as it ripens. This rough texture makes it easy to identify even before slicing it open.
3. Flavor and Texture: Despite their larger size, Giant Hass avocados maintain the rich, creamy texture and nutty flavor characteristic of the Hass variety. The flesh is smooth and free of fibers, making it perfect for a wide range of culinary applications.
4. Nutritional Profile: Giant Hass avocados offer the same nutritional benefits as traditional Hass avocados. They are an excellent source of healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamins (especially vitamin K, vitamin E, and B vitamins), and minerals (such as potassium and folate). Consuming Giant Hass avocados can contribute to heart health, skin nourishment, and overall well-being.
5. Flavor: Giant Hass avocados have a rich, creamy flavor with a slightly sweet undertone.
6. Oil content: Giant Hass avocados have a higher oil content than traditional Hass avocados, making them ideal for guacamole and other dishes.

Tree Characteristics:

1. Size: A mature Giant Hass avocado tree typically reaches a height of 25 to 30 feet (7.5 to 9 meters). However, the size of avocado trees can vary based on factors such as growing conditions, pruning, and regional climate.
2. Leaves: The leaves of the Giant Hass avocado tree are elliptical, dark green, and glossy. They are approximately 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters) in length and arranged alternately on the branches.
3. Blossoms: Avocado trees, including the Giant Hass variety, produce small, greenish-yellow flowers. These flowers are typically hermaphroditic, meaning they contain both male and female reproductive organs. Avocado trees rely on pollinators, usually bees, for effective pollination.
4. Fruit Production: Giant Hass avocado trees, like standard Hass trees, are prolific fruit bearers. The fruit typically forms in clusters and grows directly on the tree’s branches. The avocado fruit takes several months to mature and is usually ready for harvest when it changes color from green to purplish-black.

Benefits of the Giant Hass Avocado

• Larger size: Giant Hass avocados are larger than traditional Hass avocados, which means that consumers get more fruit for their money.
• Higher oil content: Giant Hass avocados have a higher oil content than traditional Hass avocados, making them ideal for guacamole and other dishes.
• Sweeter flavor: Giant Hass avocados are said to have a slightly sweeter flavor than traditional Hass avocados.

Potential Disadvantages of the Giant Hass Avocado

• Limited availability: Giant Hass avocados are a relatively new variety, so they may not be as widely available as traditional Hass avocados.
• Higher price: Giant Hass avocados may be more expensive than traditional Hass avocados due to their larger size and higher oil content.

3. Golden Hass Avocado Variety

Golden Hass avocados is the most popular variety and most marketable in Kenya and are similar to Pure / Original Hass avocados in many ways. They have the same rich, creamy flavor and a long shelf life. However, Golden Hass avocados have a golden-yellow skin instead of the dark green skin of Pure / Original Hass avocados.

The Golden Hass avocado is a relatively new variety, so it is not as widely available as the Pure / Original Hass avocado. However, it is becoming increasingly popular due to its unique appearance, flavor and most importantly its market.

Characteristics of the Golden Hass Avocado

• Size: Golden Hass avocados are typically the same size as Pure / Original Hass avocados.
• Shape: Golden Hass avocados have the same pear-shaped shape as Pure / Original Hass avocados.
• Color: Golden Hass avocados have a golden-yellow skin that turns slightly darker when ripe.
• Flavor: Golden Hass avocados have the same rich, creamy flavor as Pure / Original Hass avocados. However, some people say that Golden Hass avocados have a slightly sweeter flavor.
• Oil content: Golden Hass avocados have the same oil content as traditional Hass avocados.

Benefits of the Golden Hass Avocado

• Unique appearance: Golden Hass avocados have a unique golden-yellow skin that makes them stand out from other avocado varieties.
• Great flavor: Golden Hass avocados have a rich, creamy flavor that is comparable to Pure / Original Hass avocados.
• Same nutritional value: Golden Hass avocados have the same nutritional value as Pure / Original Hass avocados. They are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins C and E.

Potential Disadvantages of the Golden Hass Avocado

• Limited availability of seedlings: Golden Hass avocados are a relatively new variety, so they may not be as widely available as Pure / Original Hass avocados. You can get certified Golden Hass Avocado Seedlings by contacting +254 724559286 or +254 790509684
• Higher price: Golden Hass avocados may be more expensive than Pure / Original Hass avocados due to their limited availability and high demand on international market.
• Overall, the Golden Hass avocado is a promising variety of avocado that offers several benefits over the Pure / Original Hass avocado. It has a unique appearance, a great flavor, and the same nutritional value as Pure / Original Hass avocados.

TAKE AWAY

Kenyan farmers often face the challenge of fluctuating avocado prices in the market. By diversifying their avocado orchards with these distinct Hass avocado varieties, they can potentially access niche markets willing to pay a premium for quality and uniqueness. It is crucial for farmers to recognize the advantages of these varieties and tailor their cultivation practices accordingly to maximize their returns.

Hass avocado farming in Kenya is a thriving industry with untapped potential. The Golden Hass, Giant Hass, and Pure or Original Hass varieties offer farmers the opportunity to stand out in a competitive market and command higher prices for their produce. This article aims to empower farmers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their avocado farming ventures. By embracing the diversity within the Hass avocado family, Kenyan farmers can secure a fruitful and prosperous future in the avocado industry.

Do you have any questions, suggestions, or other contributions? Kindly use the comment box provided below for all your contributions. You are also encouraged to please kindly share this article with others you feel can benefit from this information if found useful enough as we may not be able to reach everyone at the same time. Thank you so much for sharing!

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