Avocado lovers, brace yourselves for a game-changer in the world of this beloved creamy fruit. A new 'giant' avocado variety has landed on Australian shores, and it's making waves for its impressive size and remarkable shelf life post-cutting. But before you rush out to stock up on this new superfruit, there's a twist that might just pique your curiosity even further.

Meet the Jala avocado, a heavyweight champion in the avocado world, tipping the scales at a whopping 1.2 kilograms. That's right, these avocados are about four times the size of the ones you'd typically find at your local supermarket. But size isn't the only thing that sets the Jala apart from its smaller cousins.

Jala avocadoes boast a sweeter flavour and could last up to five days after opening. Image Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

One of the most exciting features of the Jala avocado is its slow oxidation rate. We've all experienced the disappointment of an avocado turning brown too quickly after cutting, but the Jala promises to stay ripe and fresh for up to five days after being opened. This is a significant advantage for those of us who love to savor our avocados over several meals but hate the waste that comes with the fruit's usual quick browning.

The Jala's taste is described by experts as 'beautiful creamy, buttery, nutty' – a flavor profile that is sure to delight the palates of avocado aficionados. Contrary to what some might expect from such a large fruit, the Jala is anything but 'flavourless and watery'. Instead, it boasts a rich and satisfying taste that could very well make it a new favorite among foodies.

Currently, the Jala avocados are only available in Queensland, but plans are in place for these giants to make their way across Australia by early 2025. This means that avocado enthusiasts in other states will have to wait a little longer to get their hands on this unique variety.

For those with a green thumb, the Jala avocado also presents an exciting opportunity. These trees are perfect for home gardeners with ample yard space. According to Jess Fleming, a manager at Flemings Nursery in Queensland, the Jala tree is a good and easy option for those looking to grow their own fruit. However, she notes that adequate drainage is crucial for the health of the tree.

Jala trees can reach up to 7 meters in height, and under favorable conditions, they may even grow as tall as 10 meters. For those eager to plant their own, the trees are expected to yield fruit within two to three years – a relatively short wait for the promise of homegrown, giant avocados.

The initial release of Jala trees saw a sell-out of 1,800 trees to Bunnings Warehouse and local nurseries in Queensland, indicating a high demand for this new variety. With an additional 5,000 trees slated to be available by March 2025, it seems the Jala avocado is set to become a staple in Australian gardens and kitchens.

So, while the rest of Australia eagerly awaits the arrival of the Jala avocado, Queenslanders can already enjoy the luxury of these oversized, long-lasting fruits. And for those of us dreaming of growing our own, it might just be time to start preparing our gardens for these tropical giants.

Key Takeaways

• Jala avocados are a new 'giant' variety that weighs approximately 1.2kg and has a slow oxidation rate, remaining ripe for five days after being opened.
• These avocados are praised for their 'beautiful creamy, buttery, nutty' flavour and have more flesh compared to the standard Hass avocados.
• Currently available in Queensland, the Jala avocados are expected to make their way across Australia by early 2025.
• Home gardeners can look forward to growing these trees themselves, with 5,000 more trees set to be available by March 2025, offering a new option for those with plenty of space and favourable conditions.

What do you think, members? Are you excited to try the Jala avocado, or are you perfectly content with the Hass and Shepard varieties we know and love? Would you consider growing an avocado tree in your backyard? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below – we'd love to hear from you!

 

[Bill MacL]

Holey guacamole.

 

[DLHM]

I’m keen to try the Jala avocado mostly for curiosity sake. I don’t think Veg will help me eat the giant avocado, so I’d probably be all “avo’d out” by the end of the day. Can guacamole be frozen?

* Oh never mind. Just looked it up. Yes, guacamole can be frozen.

 

[Littleboy8]

I’m keen to try the Jala avocado mostly for curiosity sake. I don’t think Veg will help me eat the giant avocado, so I’d probably be all “avo’d out” by the end of the day. Can guacamole be frozen?

* Oh never mind. Just looked it up. Yes, guacamole can be frozen.

I’ve frozen it before but it tends to lose its flavour it goes abit bland.
I wonder how much one single jala avocado costs I can’t find a price.

 

[DLHM]

I’ve frozen it before but it tends to lose its flavour it goes abit bland.
I wonder how much one single jala avocado costs I can’t find a price.

They wouldn’t be real cheap. I’m not holding my breath for when they arrive in WA. We’re always last.

 

[Penny4]

I much prefer the Shepard avocado, however they have a short season which I don't appreciate. I'll buy this new variety when it's in stock at the fruit shop.

 

[Wandiwa]

How the heck does the average backyard fruit grower get the fruit out of a 7 metre tree??
PS: apply lemon juice on a cut avocado and it wont go brown or gladwrap it.

 

[Gsr]

Will depend on the price as compared to the smaller ones whether I bother to buy it.

 

[Penny4]

I will try cutting it up and freezing it in a zip bag. I read it only lasts in the freezer for one month though.

 

[Catherines]

How the heck does the average backyard fruit grower get the fruit out of a 7 metre tree??
PS: apply lemon juice on a cut avocado and it wont go brown or gladwrap it.

Or, I read recently, brush the cut surface with oil and cover lightly with gladwrap or cling film. Apparently lasts much longer without browning. Also recommended to leave seed in the cut half till ready to use it. I’m not a fan of avocado except in guacamole with nachos. Husband loves avos.

 

[novezar]

Reed avo's are GREAT, creamy, & a very nice flavour. We love 'em.

 

[natalielocket]

I’ve frozen it before but it tends to lose its flavour it goes abit bland.
I wonder how much one single jala avocado costs I can’t find a price.

I bought 2 from the markets in Yeppoon when I was staying down that way. Taste, great, just wrap left over in foil or glad wrap, or place in sealed container. As most go brown on top, this is no different, and doesn`t change the taste.