It’s Avocado Season

original photo by twinsfisch on Unsplash

As a super-fan of all things avocado – especially guacamole – this short take is an excuse to share some of that love. Today, I read an article in the Mercury News: How California avocados have a global influence Now that's something interesting and it stirred up some fun life memories.

          In general, American’s think Avocado = Mexico. That perception has only increased due to recent news stories. As the article above points out, we are all consuming more avocados than ever, increasing demand globally. What many don't realize is a large part of that supply is grown in California. My own headline may be a bit misleading. With all the different varieties grown here, this state might not have a true season.
 
The Magical Mystery Tree
         
          When our daughters were much younger, our vintage house had a hidden backyard gem – a giant avocado tree. And not just any variety of this well loved, quirky, and joked about fruit. These were original variety large Haas avocados, growing for years before they became widely commercialized. That easy access made the appetizer portion of summer barbecue parties easier, not to mention more affordable.
          Since this tree was massive, I always wondered how old it might have been. The age of the house (designed by California Modernist Irving J. Gill) would be from the 1920s. One aspect of these – ahead of their time concrete walled homes – I discovered were preinstalled compact backyard gardens. So, if the first Haas avocado tree was born around the same time, in La Habra, California...How exactly did one end up in the South Bay? In a new city experimental designed house...
          By the time we moved in, this avocado tree stood easily 14 feet tall. And the canopy filled over half the width of the lot. For anyone raised in many city neighborhoods in southern California, having fruit trees in your backyard – particularly figs and citrus – was commonplace. Avocado trees though would have been a rarity.
          And what do you do with a massive tree in your yard? Build a tree house, of course. Like any coming-of-age film, this was a favorite spot of the kids. Safe and close to the house, yet a complete fantasy escape way up in the leaf filled sky. An added upgrade was a simple pulley system dumbwaiter, consisting of rope, a large vintage gear, and antique wooden red bucket. This made for easy transport of books, snacks, and toys up onto the platform.

Finding Green Treasure

          Your mind has probably skipped ahead in my story. What goes up can also come down. Yes, we are not against a little free family child-labor at home. Fun for them. And way easier than overworked adults searching out where the other one left the fruit picking pole last. This was also good for localized free trade. It was not that long ago, before once-a-week city farmers markets, organic produce in every SoCal grocery store and the rise of neighborhoods being replaced with McMansions.
          Friends and family would visit, while politely carrying in bottles of California wine. What was special, for us, was then seeing the happy faces when they left clutching an urban bounty of freshly picked, extra large avocados. This would not be news for central or northern California residents at the time. Yet, for southern California city dwellers – including transplants from the east coast – it was often a very delightful surprise.

A Little Bit Extra

          Below is a quick visual for anyone trying to figure out the “when” to use and eat an avocado. It’s tricky, I know. And different varieties can change that “perfect moment.” Yet, practice does make perfect – especially if you are someone addicted to avocado toast.

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Note: This is an Internet image that I am trying to track down the source to credit it (or replace it).  Any input is appreciated.

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