The Lula avocado can be identified by their shape and glossy green skin. It is pear-shaped and has mostly smooth, green skin even when ripe. It grows on average between 8-16 oz. in weight, which is medium-sized. It has a creamy texture and fat-rich flesh.
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Where to Find Lula Avocado?
The Lula avocado is native to Florida and was first cultivated in 1919. It is likely a hybrid between a Mexican and Guatemalan type variety.
A big portion of avocados grown in Florida are varieties of the West Indies type. Those are generally less fatty varieties that have a lot of moisture or water content. Also, they require high temperatures and a lot of water to thrive.
The Lula is much colder resistant, requires relatively less watering, and has a much richer flavor profile. Reportedly, it survives temperatures down to about 28° F.
The fruit itself can be identified by its pear-like shape and green, glossy skin. Its texture is somewhat bumpy and waxy to the touch. The flesh is about the same color and consistency as with the Hass avocado, although it is slightly less creamy. It is still pale yellow in the middle moving towards green on the edges.
In taste, the Lula avocado is similar to the Hass avocado, although it might taste a bit less strong. You should still taste smooth buttery main notes with nutty undertones. The taste and consistency strikes a good middle ground and make the Lulu great for any recipe involving avocados.
Step-by-step Identification
Below you can find the step-by-step on how to identify a Lula avocado. Chances are that you are much more likely to run across one in Florida and the East Coast in general.
The Size
The Lula avocado is about the same size as a Hass. It weighs around 8-16 ounces on average. This should make it stand out among the generally larger varieties in Florida.
The Shape
Again, many West Indies varieties grown in Florida (and even some Guatemalan ones) are round in shape. The Lula should stand out as it is distinctly pear-shaped, like a Hass.
Color and Texture
The Lula avocado can be distinguished from other varieties by the fact that it stays green throughout ripening. It also has a texture similar to the Hass, although less pronounced and more glossy (waxy).
Flesh Consistency
Many varieties in Florida have high water content and end up having fibrous flesh when ripe. The Lula is again more akin to Californian avocados, with buttery, smooth flesh.
Taste
This variety is not much different in taste to a Hass avocado. The only noticeable difference is overall softer, subtler taste.
Conclusion
The Lula avocado is an excellent variety of all-around. It has all the qualities you want from an avocado, it is widely available on the East coast and should be a good fit for any set of taste buds.
