Celebrate local avocados – creamy, delicious, buttery – starting in mid-summer in South Florida! Actually a berry, avocados (Persea americana Miller) are versatile and delicious. Although laurel wilt is taking its toll on Florida avocados, you should be able to find local fruits in farmers markets and roadside stands. Some favorite cultivars:

‘Donnie’ – These are large, tasty, early-season avocados.

‘Hardee’ – Early-season red fruits feature a small seed that’s loose when ripe.

‘Oro Negro’ – This black-skinned variety has rich, buttery flesh. 

‘Russell’ – These are long and gourd-shaped, about 1½ to 2 pounds each.

‘Simmonds’ – This popular variety, about 1 to 1/12 pounds, is creamy and delicious.