Duke Avocado: The King of Avocados?

The Duke Avocado, a unique and lesser-known variety, might just surprise you. While Hass avocados reign supreme on supermarket shelves, the Duke avocado offers its own distinct characteristics that make it a favorite among avocado enthusiasts in the know.

What Makes the Duke Avocado Special?

Duke avocados are prized for their smooth, thin skin, making them incredibly easy to peel – a welcome trait for avocado lovers who despise battling stubborn avocado skin. Their size, typically smaller than Hass avocados, makes them a perfect single-serving option for snacks or small meals.

But the real star of the show is the Duke avocado’s flavor. Imagine a rich, buttery taste with nutty undertones, offering a more delicate flavor profile than its Hass counterpart. This subtle flavor makes it a versatile ingredient, shining in salads, smoothies, or simply enjoyed on toast.

Why You Might Not Have Heard of Duke Avocados

Despite their appealing qualities, Duke avocados are not as widely available as Hass avocados. Their delicate skin makes them more susceptible to bruising during transport, and their shorter shelf life makes them a less commercially viable option for large-scale distribution.

Finding and Enjoying Duke Avocados

If you’re eager to taste the Duke avocado’s unique flavor, your best bet is to seek them out at farmers markets or specialty grocery stores. When selecting Duke avocados, look for fruits that are firm to the touch and have a deep green color.

Once you’ve scored some Duke avocados, the possibilities are endless. Enjoy them sliced in salads, blended into smoothies, or mashed on toast. Their delicate flavor also pairs well with seafood, chicken, and citrus fruits.

Duke Avocado: A Hidden Gem

While the Duke avocado may not be as well-known as its Hass cousin, its unique flavor and convenient characteristics make it a worthy contender for a place on your plate. So, next time you’re at the market, keep an eye out for these small but mighty avocados – you might just discover your new favorite variety.