Avocados don’t soften while still on the tree and are still relatively firm when in stores. Plan ahead and buy avocados so they will have several days at room temperature to ripen. If you want to use them immediately, select those that yield to light pressure when pressed gently. Florida avocados are available from June through March. Ripe avocados peel easily. Slice in half and remove one side. Use a fork to twist and remove the large pit. Rubbing lemon juice on the

A third of an avocado has just 120 calories and is loaded with potassium, dietary fiber, and vitamins A, B, and C." 

If you want to buy an avocado tree to grow in your yard, contact the Rare Fruit Council in your area.  They have many members with nursery businesses selling fruit trees, and many do sales for the club as well.  The Rare Fruit Council also has many informative and fun meetings to attend where you can meet other fruit gardeners in Florida.  When growing an organic avocado tree, use manure or nitrogen, ie. horse, chicken or rabbit manure, fish emulsion, decomposed leaf matter, compost or one of the commercial organic fertilizers that are high in nitrogen, (ie. 10-0-0 to 21-0-0).  Fertilize throughout the season monthly until it is time for the tree to go into flowering, then withhold the fertilizer until after fruiting.  Avocados are large trees that offer leaf matter for your compost pile, and shade for your hamock.

There is a wonderful organic farm in South Florida called Glaser Organic Farms.  You can buy some of their products in places like Whole Foods Market.   Look for them in the raw foods section of Whole Foods Market.  You can make an appointment to visit the farm, as well, and buy avocados in season by the box!  See more about them at www.glaserorganicfarms.com.

We are glad to be serving up some recipies for your avocado eating pleasure!  Stay tuned to this blog!  You might find a whole new world in the 'alligator pear'!