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Over the years, avocados have gotten a bad rap as a high-fat food. However, avocados contain "good" fat and while they contain more fat than most fruits, they can still be part of a healthy diet. Avocados are most popular as an ingredient in guacamole, but they make a great addition to salads and sandwiches, as well. there are 7 kinds of avocados: 


Bacon
Bacon avocados have a green skin that darkens slightly when ripe. The oval-shaped fruit varies in size from 6 to 12 ounces. The Bacon avocado variety is available from fall to spring.

Fuerte
This pear-shaped avocado remains green and, like all avocados, will yield slightly to the touch when ripe. The Fuerte avocado ranges in size from 5 to 14 ounces and is grown in California from late fall through the spring.

Gwen
This oval-shaped variety is available from California from April through October. The Gwen avocado ranges in size from 6 to 15 ounces. This avocado is similar to the Hass variety but is slightly larger.

Hass
This avocado dominates production. The Hass avocado is grown year-round. Hass avocados turn purplish-black when ripe. This variety of avocado can range in size from 5 to 12 ounces.


Pinkerton
Pinkerton avocados have an elongated pear shape. They are rather large, ranging in size from 8 to 18 ounces. This variety of avocado is available from early winter through spring. Its green skin of the avocado darkens when it is ripe.

Reed
This large summer variety of avocado has a round shape and is available from the beginning of summer through early fall. The size of this avocado ranges from 8 to 18 ounces. Its skin remains green when ripe.

Zutano
This early-season avocado has a pear shape and shiny green-yellow skin. It is available from September through the first part of winter. Zutano avocados range in size from 6 to 14 ounces.

Avocados do not ripen on the tree, so many sold in the store still need to be ripened. When looking for fruit to use immediately, seek out avocados that yield slightly to the touch. If you want to use the avocado later, look for a firm fruit. Do not buy avocados with dark sunken spots or that are cracking open.
Avocados made a name for themselves as the main ingredient in guacamole, but they have a myriad of other uses.

Raw preparation

Avocados can be used in salads, on sandwiches and in appetizers. Avocados can make a great addition when cubed and added to many varieties of salads. They can also be sliced and used on sandwiches or in place of lunch meat on the sandwich.
Avocados have lost popularity for fat-conscious consumers because of their high fat content. However, avocados contain healthy monounsaturated fat, so consumers should not shy away from using them.
To peel an avocado, slice the avocado in half lengthwise. Twist the halves apart. Use a spoon to pry out the seed. Either scoop out the meat or turn one half over and starting at one end, remove the peel.
To keep a cut avocado from browning, dip it in lemon juice and cover with plastic wrap. Avocados can be turned into baby food by simply mashing the avocado to the correct consistency. Avocados include important nutrients for a baby's development, including potassium and vitamin E.

Cooking

Avocados can be lightly cooked, but are generally best served raw.