Avocados almost gone

Here in California, it’s difficult to imagine that the avocado season ever ends. But it does. In the winter, avocados arrive from South America, places such as Chile. But we lucky Sacramentans have organic, California-grown avocados available to us every week at our local farmers’ markets, thanks to Steve Schuman of Stehly Farms Organics.

Stehly Farms is located just outside of Valley Center, and while that might seem a bit far for “homegrown,” it’s as close as the climate allows when it comes to the delicious, smooth Persea americana. “The avocados are brought up in Northern California weekly,” said Schuman, “sold at farmers’ markets in Sac and Chico, as well as restaurants and natural-food stores.” Stehly Farms grows other produce and fruits, “but avocados are our predominate business,” Schuman said. The farm sells these large berries (yep!) at the weekend farmers’ markets: Saturday in Elk Grove and Sunday in downtown Sacramento.

Avocados originated in Mexico before the arrival of European explorers. By the 16th century, they were being eaten in the Philippines and were moving on to the Indian continent. “They have higher potassium than a banana, and healthy omega-3s,” says Schuman. While avocados have existed for a while, locally grown products won’t last long. “We’ll have them for about three or four more weeks,” said Schuman. “Avocado season ends in late October, early November.” So head to your local farmers’ market and whip up some guacamole fast.