SmartShopIt Blog

I love a good guacamole dip for the New Year celebration and may have to indulge heavily to get my fill before next year.  This is due to expected high prices in the Spring.  Because of unusually warm summer weather and reduced water supplies from Northern California the amount of California grown avocados to be ready in the Spring has diminished greatly.

Also, a strange weather anomaly blew many flowers off of blossoming trees, resulting in avocado trees yielding light loads of fruit, according to Eric Larson, President of the San Diego Farm Bureau.  In addition, farmers have had to reduce their production by 30 percent due to the on-going drought and water restrictions.

California is the largest domestic producer of this fruit, supplying 80 – 95 percent.  Larson says that consumers can expect the supply crunch to come between March and April when California avocados begin to be harvested.  This demand may be filled by other countries whose crops come ripe at the same time, such as Mexico.

There are many misconceptions about eating avocados.  The facts show that it is rich in 20 minerals and vitamins and contains 50 calories per serving (one-fifth of a medium avocado).  Think only carrots are good for the eye-sight?  Avocados are rich in the anti-oxidant Lutein.  Lutein has been shown to be concentrated in the macula of the eye and research suggests that it may help maintain healthy eyesight as we age.  One ounce of avocado contains 81 micrograms of Lutein.  For more information visit avocado.org.

SmartShopit Price Guide – Avocado Haas

Smart Buy - Less than $.75 each

Average Price – $1.25 each

High Price – Greater than $1.75 each

SmartShopIt Price Guide – Avocado Haas (organic)

Smart Buy - Less than $1.25 each

Average Price – $2.25 each

High Price – Greater than $2.75 each

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Filed under: Fruits & Vegetables