A few months back, I starting seeing a Florida avocado – a larger green skin avocado in my local supermarket called a “Slimcado.” It was marketed as having 35% fewer calories and 50% less fat than a Hass avocado.
For those people who count calories or are concerned with fat intake, this Florida light green skin avocado seems like a dream come true. But is it? After all , the fat in avocados is considered to be a good fat and we do need some fat in our diet.
I bought a Slimcado to see what it tasted like and I have to admit that I enjoyed it. (I’ve heard many people say “no thanks, I’ll take a Hass avocado any day of the week.) However, there are some benefits to a Florida avocado.
The Slimcado is a West Indian variety of avocado that is grown in Florida and is often simply called a Florida avocado. I’m sure the marketing board decided that touting the low fat and lower calorie content would make it sell better, and this is probably true.
At first glance the green skin avocado looks somewhat like a cross between a huge goose egg and a funny colored and smooth avocado. The size is something else when you compare it to a normal Hass avocado.
Keep reading to find out more about the Slimcado and to learn the differences between the two types of avocado.
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What is a Slimcado?
Slimcados are the brand name of a Florida avocado. They are quite heavy and large. I often get one that is 6 inches or so long and quite round at one end with a tapered top.
They can actually grow up to about two pounds. The fruit has a glossy green skin and has a shape similar to the Hass avocados.
A Florida avocado with the green light skin is grown grown in very humid climates, not dry climates like the California avocado.
Slimcados do have 35% less calories and 50% less fat than Hass avocados, but still have good nutrient content. They are a very good source of vitamin E, fiber, B-vitamins, potassium, zinc, and monounsaturated fat.
As far as flavor goes, I find them much sweeter than Hass avocados, but I actually enjoy that change. They seem, to me, to have a higher water content and that may account for the fat and calorie deficit.
Florida avocado (Slimcado) vs Hass avocado
Most of the avocados we are bought in the USA are Hass avocados from California and Mexico, which are often labeled California avocados.
But the large Florida avocado is growing in popularities.
Even though California and Florida avocados are different varieties of the same fruit, they have different flavors, textures and applications. There are advantages to each type of avocado, as well as disadvantages. Here are the differences between the two.
Florida avocado vs Hass avocado – How do they taste?
Those who love the full fat flavor of a Hass avocado will complain often about the Slimcado taste. I personally like the sweetness of it, but prefer the richness of a Hass.
The green skin avocados have a lighter tasting flesh with a sweet, buttery taste. Some varieties even taste somewhat nutty.
A Slimcado is often described as having a “neutral” taste – almost like a diluted version of a normal California avocado.
The flavor of a Slimcado is milder than a Hass avocado, which is much more rich tasting due to the fat content.
Florida avocados and California avocados – skin type and pits
The skin of a Florida avocado, or Slimcado, is smooth and light green in color. It has a very large pit which makes the outer shape more pronounced on the large end.
The Hass avocado has dark green–colored, bumpy skin with a much smaller pit. This can give the avocado a more rounded look.
The Florida avocado has a fibrous flesh compared to the Hass avocado.
Uses of Florida and California avocados:
The two avocados could be used in varying ways. Slimcados might satisfy you in smoothies, but for guacamole, you may prefer to use a Hass avocado.
The richness of the fruit in a Hass avocado makes it easier to mash it.
For those interested in watching their calorie intake, using a Slimcado avocado means you can use more than the traditional California avocado for the same calorie count. So if volume on a plate is your interest, the Slimcado wins every time.
The Slimcado avocados seem to hold their shape better than California avocados when cut into chunks or slices, so they are good in salads and sandwiches.
In short, when you want the rich creaminess of an avocado, the Florida avocado or Slimcado probably won’t satisfy you. But if you a looking for a way to cut calories and fat and for the avocado to retain its shape then the Slimcado will work just fine.
How long do avocados keep?
A common question with readers is “when is a Slimcado ripe?”
Both types of avocados will turn black quickly when over-ripe, or when the flesh is exposed to air. The skin of a Slimcado remains green even when ripe, whereas a Hass avocado gets darker skin as it ripens.
Keep whole avocados on the counter, not in the fridge to let them ripen more quickly. Once they have been cut, it’s fine to refrigerate them.
It can be difficult to know how ripe a Slimcado is. Light pressure can be used to determine this – the Florida avocado yields to gentle pressure when ripe. Unripe Slimcados are often rock hard.
Due to its larger size, a Florida avocado won’t last as long as a California avocado will. Once cut open, be sure to use either type of avocado quickly.
Florida avocados and California avocados – prices
Avocado prices have really risen in in recent years by as much as up to 129%. The average national price of a single Hass avocado can cost $2-3. However, many grocery stores have sales on the Hass avocados. I can sometimes get them for $1 each.
The Florida type varies but is at least $1.99. But it IS a lot bigger, so that is a wash.
Calories of Florida avocado and Hass avocado – Slimcado nutrition facts
How many calories in a Florida avocado? About 28% less than a Hass avocado!
The Slimcado avocado has fewer calories and half the fat but it is also twice the size.
However, one must be careful when considering Slimcado calories. Don’t think that you can eat the whole thing, or the deficit won’t do you a bit of good, and you will have not had the flavor of a Hass avocado.
One of the reasons for the difference in calories is that a Florida avocado has a much higher water content than a California variety. However, more water can mean diluted flavor.
Also, keep in mind that we do need some fat in our diets. The fat in a California avocado is rich in monounsaturated and oleic fatty acids, which helps to control abdominal fat.
Here is the nutritional breakdown for a similar size of Slimcado vs Hass avocado.
Have you tried the Slimcado? What did you think? Is it good? Horrible? What say you? Please let us know in the comments below.
Pin this post about the Florida avocado
Would you like a reminder of this post showing the difference between green avocado and Hass avocado? Just pin this image to one of your foodie boards on Pinterest so that you can easily find it later.
My preference is taste is the Hass avocado. Here is a recipe for guacamole using California avocados that your party guests are sure to love!
This recipe for guacamole is the great way to start a party. It is super easy to make and everyone will love to dig in. Nutritional information is approximate due to natural variation in ingredients and the cook-at-home nature of our meals.Best Ever Guacamole Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 69Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 191mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 3gSugar: 1gProtein: 1g
Admin note: this post about Florida avocados first appeared on the blog in July of 2013. I have updated the post to add all new photos, and a video for you to enjoy.
89 responses to “Florida Avocado – with Light Green Skin – Slimcado Facts and Nutrition”
i hate them
When I shared this on my Facebook page, I had similar comments from the fans of the page. I actually don’t mind them but there is nothing like the other avocados. Carol
The Publix I work at has them at 2 for $3.00 this week!!!
That is a great price!
I got one and it was delicious!
First time trying them and I liked them! I was surprised by the sweetness and lighter texture. I do like the Hass avocados taste but they go bad rather quickly.
Slim ado is not the same as the good old fashioned Florida Avocado!!! I keep buying them and throw them out, always rotten and mushy. Not going to trick me into buying them anymore. Hass is not my avocado of choice!!!
I like avocados, but I LOVE the FLorida avocado!!! It is SO-O creamy — I eat like candy, literally — on eggs, salads, … and just plain cut up. Now THAT is an avocado! The Florida avocado is delicious in my book!
Hi Christi. I love them too. They are hard to find at my stores here in NC. Mostly they have the Haas varieties.(love them too!) To me, they are quite different but both still good. Carol
I just tried my first one. Delicious! HOWEVER…..am doing a ketogenic diet and they are way more carbs than the Haas avacado….so I guess this will be my only one. 🙁
Hi Elaine. I just had a look at the nutritional info. The Haas has 9 grams of carbs with 7 fiber and the slimcado has 8 grams of carbs with 6 fiber. This is for a 3.5 oz serving. So, my understanding is that the Haas is slightly higher in carbs. Carol
I find them in NC at the Harris Teeter. And typically they are the exact same price as the much smaller Haas variety. I love them!
I tried my first slimcado today. When I sliced it in half I noticed the entire inside was brown. I am making guacamole so I wanted it ripe but does the color indicate it is too ripe? How do I tell if it is spoiled? Thank you for the help. Tina
Hi Tina. Yes it sounds like you got a very ripe one. Normally when I slice them, they are very green inside. Carol
In contrast…I love them!! Omgsh can slice and eat them like a melon!!
I bought 2…never heard of them. Tried to Make guacamole, the were impossible to mash. Way too sweet. No thank you!!!!
Yes, they are quite sweet. I use them mainly as an accompaniment in slices, or in sandwiches. Carol
Are they good for grilling g etc? How do you tell if they’re ripe/spoiled?
Hi Andy. I have not tried grilling them, but assume they would be nice with a charred flavor. I go by the touch of the fruit. If it is too soft it will be brown inside. They will ripen further at home.
I love them… but I don’t like Hass avocados, so that may explain why. I live in Florida and have always preferred Florida avocados for the creamy, sweetness they have. I eat half of one most days with a little lime juice and salt. Perfect mid-day snack. 🙂
Hi Cher,
I love them for the lower calories and also the sweet taste. It is amazing how many people don’t care for them.
Carol
I never had an avocado until 2013 when I started dieting. My grocer sells both the Haas and Florida varieties. I thought the Florida variety looked more appealing and the are cheaper in my area. I use them in sandwiches but have kept thinking, “what do people see in these things, they have no taste?” My last trip to the store, there was one labeled SlimCado. “I’m looking this up on the internet!” Boy am I looking forward to trying a Haas. Will I’ll find the flavor I’ve been missing or stay with the SlimCado? TBD
There is no comparison. You are in for a treat! Carol
I’ve been in Florida for almost 40 years and my first avocados were Florida avocados from backyard trees. They varied in flavor, but all were good. Had a neighbor whose tree produced some exceptional fruit. Then, moving up from South Florida where it was warmer without freezes to kill the trees, I moved to Central Florida where the Mexican or California Haas avocados grew and didn’t like them as well. I would buy the Florida ones in the stores. After some years, the Slimcado showed up as a third choice and I thought it was the worst of the 3. I’ve understood it to be a low fat, bland variety of Florida avocado and that not all Florida avocados are this. Maybe that’s why some people love the large ones–they are not Haas but also not Slimcados?
I think people’s opinion of the slimcados depends a lot on much much they enjoy the flavor of Hass. To me, a slimcado is a diet aid. It gives SOME avocado flavor but a lot less calories.
I’m actually eating my first SlimCado as I type! I love the Haas Avocado fur it’s smooth, buttery taste, I actually spread it on toast for breakfast. I found the SlimCado to be sweeter and taste more like a fruit, definitely more watery. The SlimCado is nice for a change but I prefer the richness of the Haas.
I feel the same way. The slimcado is one of those things that I buy on weeks when I feel like eating less calories but when I still want the taste.
Carol
I’m feeling really let down right now..:-(.new house..just planted winter flowers out front and thought to myself “i can’t wait to relax with my favorite comfort food”only to find out that i should have bought the richer one.DARN.
Hi Cookie. Yes, It is a sort of watered down version of the Haas avocado. Good for diets but the rich one tests better, I agree. Carol
I bought both types today. If you treat the slimcado with lime or lemon, can it keep overnight in the fridge ?
HI Kathy,
My experience has been that lime will help but over night might be a tall order. Leave the pit in and it helps to keep the middle from going brown.
Carol
Is this a GMO product?
Hi Linda, According to the Brooks Topical website who sells them, it is non GMO http://www.brookstropicals.com/slimcado/. Carol
I just bought a slimcado and used it in my smoothie. Very good. I like them better than those little ugly ones.
Hi Cat. What a good idea! I’ve never thought of using them in a smoothie. That would make it so much lower in calories too. Carol
Well, to each their own. I just can’t get the hang of these Florida avocados – from the time I first tried them in the ’80s to the one my wife bought the other day, now marketed as slimcados. I do believe the organic Hass / alligator avocados have a better flavor than non-organic but either will do in my favorite sandwich – R U ready for the Micha. Take a rice cake, can be plain or salted, fill crannies with mayonnaise. (Summertime is best because tomatoes are worth eating) Add a thick slice. Cut a ripe Hass into half inch thick slices. Use one slice per sandwich. Now for the special taste that makes this sandwich pop – Spike by Gayelord Hauser. Sprinkle generously. Careful Spike is a little salty. I just don’t thick slimcados would work as a substitute. Also the sandwich can be eater open-face.
If this sandwich works for you, call it a Micha.
hi Michael. I do agree that the Haas avocadoes have much more flavor. The Slimcados are much much milder. That Micha sounds wonderful! Carol
My name is Chris Tucker, and I live in Tampa Florida, and to me, it is not even close. The Haas Avocado wins the flavor test. To me, the Florida Avocado don’t even taste like an Avocado. I can not eat them by themselves, yet I can easily gobble down 2 Haas Avocado’s at a sitting. IMHO, Haas Avocado’s have flavor and texture that send me through the roof. I have to pay more for them, since Florida Avocado’s are grown right here in the Tampa area. I always lick my plate clean when I have a Haas Avocado, and love to get every last bit out of the skin. I only can wish they start to grow the Haas here in Florida some day, so I can afford them all the time. I think I will ask the Hillsborough County Agriculture Service here in Tampa, If the Haas can be grown here. If so, I would make a clean break, and never buy a Florida one again.
I much prefer the classic Haas or orig avocados, Slims just taste kind of off and I don’t care for their consistency.
Hi Ellie. They do taste quite different for sure. Normally I purchase the Haas but do a Florida one when I am in the mood to count calories. Carol
hi Admin., to save the slims I basically make an herb and spicy guac of them. I did slice open one a while ago and it had oxidized, prob. bec. it was in the market too long! But I’ve always considered orig. breed cados to have the good fats, not ones to be shirked away.
Hi Ellie. I gain weight very easily so I try to limit all fats but I do admit that avocados are considered a good fat. Carol
I have friends who have avocado trees in Florida and they are the most delicious things you can eat sliced and served on Doritos or sandwiches. I bought a slimcado at the store expecting it to taste the same and it was terrible. I am not sure why as they looked the same. I won’t buy one again if it says slimcado on it. I have no idea what variety the friends trees are but they beat a Haas avocado hands down sliced and served plain. Guacamole is better with the Haas but I can’t eat them sliced plain!
I just bought one 2 days ago and it is still hard as a rock! Should I let it ripen a little more? I don’t want to cut it yet until I hear from somebody. The other dark ones that are smaller tend to ripen faster.
That is interesting Tony. Perhaps it is the fact that they pick them when they are no where near ripe for transportation and they just don’t develop the flavor? Carol
place avocado in a paper bag..check daily..they ripen very fast this way
Great tip Jillian. Thanks for sharing it. Carol
I love avocados, and recently tried the slimcado. They are good, but not as full-flavored and buttery as the Haas variety. But I like them for their differences, they are just as juicy as a piece of fruit! I haven’t tried them in guacamole yet, and I’m not sure they will serve due to their higher level of moisture. I’m a bit of a purist when it comes to my guac, using just avocado, white pepper, salt, and lemon juice. No garlic or tomato or onion will ever despoil my guac! Anyway, the slimcado is fine plain, or sliced on a salad. That’s all I’ve done with them so far. Prices in my area (D.C. metro) are comparable, it’s about $1 for a Haas and $1.25 for the slimcado, which is so much bigger that it’s either the same or very close. The slimcado might be a bit cheaper pound for pound.
I found this site while Goggling the slimcado, expecting to find that it’s a new hybrid variety since I just started seeing them in stored this year. I was surprised to learn that it’s just a different variety from a different region, especially since Florida is so much closer to D.C. than California.
Hi Oberon. I use slimcados much like you do, plain or on a salad or sandwich but guacamole is always made with the Haas type. Thanks for your comments. Carol
I tried my first Slimcado today and after one bite I threw it away. Maybe it wasn’t quite ripe, though it did cut in half easily. No flavor at all compared to the Hass.
HI Mimsie. It was ripe. Slimcados have much less in the way of flavor. Far less calories, so it is a trade off.
Carol
I like the Slimcado. It last longer, less fat, and the taste is OK with me. I cut slices for “snacks” during the day. I am trying to grow one. Wish me luck?
Hi Gwen. I have a friend who grows all sorts of avocados from pits. None of them produce fruit though. I think you need grafted avocado plants for that to happen if I am not mistaken.
Carol
They are horrible! I I think I’m going to vomit
Hi Kimberly, I guess it is safe to say you like the Haas avocado more! LOL Carol
I hated them at first but liked it alright when I got it a second time. I think the biggest problem is that people don’t let them ripen enough. I let mine sit for a few days the second time around and I thought they tasted pretty good. I am trying to make a switch since of the draughts in California, and I live closer to Florida than California. It tasted great in a smoothie and I think it worked better in the sushi I made since it was firmer.
I really don’t mind them at all. It always surprises me that people really hate them. Carol
I bought a green avocado, hass and a slimcado to do a taste test. Hass has a down to earth nutty flavor,
greenavocado has a bright pleasant creamy taste, slimcado has a bitter metalic taste. Hands down green avocado wins, it tastes wonderful in salads and guacamole and snacking in its own. I bought a slimcado 6 months later to see if I was it tastes the same or I had an off day,mind you i haven’t had an avocado in 6 months, so, my tastebuds are clear. I still don’t like slimcado, it still has a bitter metalic taste. At least I tried a couple of times.
I know there are several different species of avocado, so I’ll wait for the other avocado.
Hi Faye. That is interesting to know. I have tried slimcados many times and have not noticed a metallic taste. I find them sort of a watered down version of a Haas. I wonder if different brands of them taste differently?
Carol
Hi Carol,
I snacked green Avocado the other day and it had a cool creamy pleasant refreshing taste. I can’t remember the name, but Winn Dixie had them, not sure how long they’ll last till they get the dreaded slimcados.
There are 1,000 varieties of Avocado, but most likely you’ll find Hass at your grocers which is grown in tremendous quantities in California and throughout Latin America.
I’m not sure if it is Reed or Gwen variety, they’re both green skin and good taste.
Everyone’s taste is different, what may taste good to one person may taste terrible to another. So, I say “To each his own”
Have a Happy Avocado adventure.
Hi Faye. I saw Slimcados the other day when shopping. First time in months! Carol
I think the Slimcado is delicious. I also like the Haas. I find the Haas to be more spreadable if you are using it on a sandwich or mashing it for guacamole. I recommend the Slimcado for smoothies and salads because as you said in your “Texture” comment, it stays firm when cut or diced.
I feel sort of the same way about them. In fact, today, when shopping I bought 2 Haas and one slimcado. I use them in very different ways but enjoy them both. Carol
Bland and watery. I don’t recommend them for guacamole, that’s for sure. I don’t plan to buy any more of them.
Hi. I would also not use them in guacamole. For me, a slimcado is purely for those watching calories who want somewhat of an avocado taste. But you can beat the Haas for flavor. Carol
Florida avocados just don’t cut it for me. Tried one for the first time today…..it was very watery…..almost slimy and hardly any taste. I definitely prefer the Haas. Thanks for your article!
HI. Yes, I agree, if you are going for flavor, you can’t beat the Haas. Carol
I bought one at Kroger thinking I had hit the jackpot! It was disgusting. No flavor.
HI Amy. LOL. They can be a surprise if you are looking for the Haas taste!
Tried my first Slimcado yesterday. I took a quarter of it, mashed it with fork and added a little ground pepper, roasted garlic (dry, from the spice section of your local grocery), and ground red pepper. Perfect on toast! I do prefer the Haas, but this will be a good substitute in some recipes.
I prefer the Haas too, but the Slimcado really has so many less calories, so I use them too. Your recipe sounds great!
like them, add a little on salad and even tastes fresher and i agree, they are sweeter
I have loved avocados since I moved to So California in the’70’s. My sister has an avocados grove. I lived in Scotland for a year ’76 – ’76. The avocados were imported from Israel. Those avid were The best tasting.g I have ever tasted! Yes, even better than the ones my sister grows. :’)
I love avocados, and I really love Slimcados. They keep better, taste sweeter, and go everywhere a haas can go. Nothing but love for these babies!
Hi Stephanie. I like them too. We are outnumbered but the lower calorie count is a big plus with me. Carol
I live Florida avocados I just recently found out that the Slimcado is the new name for it. I much prefer Slimcados over Haas. I was never a fan of avocado when I will introduced first to the Haas.
Hi Bonnie. I like them both. I find the Florida slimcado much milder though. Carol
I love both! The slimcado is wonderful in smoothies , Brazilian avacado cream (dessert) great with a spinach and strawberry salad etc..noting that they are a bitsweeter I adjust my usage to suit. The creamy texture is amazing too.
Great ideas for using them Marg!
Just had my first Slimcado last week. It was delicious! I’m so glad I didn’t read reviews before I tried it, or I might have missed out on a real yummy ‘cado!
I didn’t find it a bit bland, stringy, or watery, but I did notice how well the chunks held their shape.
The guacamole we made with the leftovers was to die for!
Hi Sally. I feel much the same way. It always surprises me when readers really don’t like them, but each to his own taste! Carol
After hearing a friend say how much she enjoyed the slimcado, I had to try one.
Once was more than enough for me to decide never again! At $2.49 you can keep them. It has a watery, barely avocado flavor, texture is ok but not creamy like a Hass.
To each there own.
Many times people love them mainly for their lower calorie count. They do have less flavor than a Hass for sure! Carol
I love Haas avocadoes; I eat them all the time, but when I discovered the Slimcado, and the price was right, I bought several. Wow! They are delicious! Flesh is medium-soft, smooth, and light green. Definitely tastes sweeter than Haas l, so I don’t think Slimcado would taste right in guacamole, but for my garden salad and for just eating straight, it’s is wonderful!
That’s the way I use them too. I also save my hass for guacamole.
Hmm. Just bought a Slimcado with the idea of making guacamole. Sounds like that is not the best use for this type of avocado. Darn. 😟
Hi Robin. You can certainly use it for guacamole. It will just be a lighter version of the original made with a Haas avocado.
Horrid! The only reason I have one in the house was my Hubs bought it when the regular avocados were sold out. Rather do without than get another slimcado.
I found them tasteless and watery and turned brown immediately after I cut it! No thanks!