Avozilla avocados now available in Australia
Giant green-skinned avocados named 'Avozillas' that weigh up to 1.8 kilograms (4 pounds) are now available in the Australian market, ABC News reports.
The avocados, which are grown on a Queensland-based family farm, are five times the size of a typical variety and are reported to have an average weight of 1.2 kilograms (2.6 pounds).
The Groves family began harvesting their first crop from their 400 Avozilla trees at their Bungundarra farm three weeks ago.
"Everybody is pretty amazed to see these giant avocados and they are quite a statement, when you see one it is unforgettable," David Groves was quoted as saying, adding the variety had a buttery taste.
The variety originated in South Africa and was called Post Office before being renamed by the plant breeding rights owner, according to ABC. A Westfalia farmer found the feral mother-tree growing in the lush natural forest in the Limpopo province, the company said.
Tropical and exotic fruit sales manager at Mercer Mooney in Perth, Cameron Perna, said the majority of giant avocados were sold within 24–48 hours of landing at the distribution center, and fetched about AUD$12 (US$9) each.
Groves said although it was an exciting new product, the production per hectare was much lower than other varieties and the Avozillas did not store as well on trees.
"They do have a nice thick skin which helps us a lot in terms of stings and bites but being so heavy they swing quite easily in the wind and they are getting marked very easily by touching other branches," he was quoted as saying.
"We send them to all the wholesale markets in the capital cities, but are finding that some do better than others because they are such a novelty."