I’ve written about the Fuerte avocado before, but with its impressive qualities and the upcoming season for Fuerte avocados just around the corner, I felt it was the perfect time to revisit this iconic variety.
The Fuerte avocado is a true pioneer—this variety helped shape California’s avocado industry and has been successfully introduced to many countries around the world. But how did Fuerte become the "original" avocado? Let's take a step back and explore its fascinating history.
The Birth of Fuerte Avocado Tree
In the early 1900s, Frederick Popenoe, the owner of West India Gardens nursery in Altadena, California, sent his son Wilson and employee Carl Schmidt on a mission to Mexico to collect avocado varieties. While in the markets of Atlixco, they discovered a fruit that caught their eye. They traced it back to its mother tree and collected budwood. One particular selection—labeled ‘No. 15’ from the backyard of Señor LeBlanc—was grafted onto avocado seedlings at the nursery in Altadena.
In 1913, disaster struck: a severe freeze killed most of the avocado trees in the nursery. However, the ‘No. 15’ graft survived. In honor of its resilience, Popenoe named it "Fuerte," which means "strong" in Spanish.
Why Fuerte Avocados Are So Special
Genuine Fuerte avocados are prized for their unique flavor and texture. Fuerte has a distinctly nutty flavor that reminds many of fresh walnuts—making it a true favorite among avocado enthusiasts. The fruits are medium to large-sized, slightly bigger than Hass, with smooth, green skin dotted with yellow specks. Even when fully ripe, the skin remains green, and the shape is typically pear-like (pyriform).
Fuerte avocados are known for their fine texture and excellent flavor. They peel easily, making them a joy to eat. Whether you're enjoying one on its own or adding it to a salad or sandwich, the Fuerte's smooth and rich flavor stands out.
The Rarity of Fuerte
Unfortunately, authentic Fuerte avocados are becoming increasingly hard to find due to the prevalence of various strains and hybrids on the market. If you’re a true avocado aficionado, you owe it to yourself to try an authentic Fuerte.
We are fortunate to have Genuine Fuerte avocado trees available on our website. Don’t miss your chance to experience this classic variety!
visit our website at www.avocadotreegrowers.com
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