Scientific Name: Persea americana
Order: Laurales
Family: Lauraceae
Florida avocado (Persea americana) is in the Persea family. An avocado is actually a fruit not a vegetable. Florida avocado fruit have greenish or yellowish flesh with a buttery consistency and mild, sweet flavor. California is known for cultivating avocados, but these fruit also thrive in Florida because of the warm climate.
Compared to California avocados, Florida avocados contain less calories because they have lower fat content. Florida avocados do contain more sugar than California avocados. This gives the fruit a milder, sweeter flavor. Florida avocados also have high amounts of vitamin C (29% daily value [DV]), which aids the immune system. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease. This vitamin is also important for skin health because it makes collagen.
Florida avocado is rich in vitamin E (13% DV), which is an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system as well. It also promotes eye health and lowers the risk of cancer. The fiber (22% DV) in Florida avocado aids in bowel movement and cholesterol management, as well as lowers the chance of heart diseases and maintains one's weight. Since Florida avocados have a sweet flavor, they are often used in smoothies.