Hawai’i Sharwil Avocados are Shockingly Addictive

Where have I been that I have not eaten a Sharwil avocado? Oh, right, in Sacramento, with my nose to the grindstone selling Sacramento real estate. OMG, the Sharwil avocado is a most delicious avocado, sweet, firm and filling. From the first taste, I was absolutely hooked.

A friend gave me a Sharwil avocado that she received from another friend in Kona who harvests a number of Sharwil avocado trees in her yard. Guess they were dropping left and right so she gathered up the avocados and dropped them off at friends’ houses. Unlike the dreaded summer zucchini harvest in Sacramento, when neighbors drop bags of zucchini on your front step, ring the door bell and run, these are a sought-after delicacy.

Sharwil avocados grow well in slightly higher elevations in Hawaii where it is not so hot. My friend and I immediately volunteered to pick avocados for free. Just say when and where and we’ll be there with bells on.

After I consumed my first half of avocado, I called my friend to find out the name of this avocado. Turns out it is sold at the Kona Safeway on Henry Street under the name of “local avocado.” Also, up until last month, Hawaii was prohibited from shipping the Sharwil avocado to the Mainland due to fruit fly concerns. This ban was in place for 26 years and just lifted last month!

Unfortunately, you still cannot yet buy a Sharwil avocado in California. New laws allow the shipment to 32 states and Washington, D.C., but not yet California. The closest is probably Seattle, but I’m telling ya it’s worth a trip to Seattle to get Sharwil avocados.

The Sharwil avocados are a cross between a Guatemala and Mexico avocado, originating from Australia / New Zealand. They are bigger than the typical haas avocados we get in California and deliver 22 essential vitamins and minerals. Avocados often get a bad rap because the ratio of fat content is high but it is monounsaturated fats, the good kind.

Low sugar, less than 1 gram. Which makes it a great fruit for people concerned about limiting their sugar intake. Compared to a papaya. Much as I love papayas, a large papaya contains up to 64 grams of sugar. The USDA recommends women consume no more than 25 grams of sugar a day. They also contain a decent amount of protein and fiber.

Maybe you will just need to come to Hawaii to experience a Sharwil avocado?