Avocados are a beloved fruit, known for their creamy texture and rich flavor. But if you’ve ever stood in front of a fruit display wondering, “How big is a small avocado?”, you’re not alone! Avocados come in various sizes, and understanding what counts as “small” can help you pick the right one for your recipes or snack cravings. Let’s dive into the world of avocado sizes and find out exactly how big a small avocado really is.
Understanding Avocado Sizes: What Does “Small” Mean?
Avocado sizing might seem confusing at first because it’s not just about calling them small, medium, or large. Instead, avocados are often categorized by numbers that relate to how many fruits fit into a 25-pound box. The higher the number, the smaller the avocado.
For example:
– A size 28 avocado is quite large, weighing between 13.75 and 15.7 ounces.
– A size 48 avocado is smaller, weighing between 7.5 and 9.5 ounces.
– A size 70 avocado is even smaller, weighing between 4.75 and 6.25 ounces.
– And a size 84 avocado is among the smallest, weighing just 3.75 to 4.75 ounces.
So, when we talk about a small avocado, we’re generally referring to those in the size 70 or 84 range, which are less than 6.25 ounces each.
What Does a Small Avocado Look Like?
If you don’t have a scale handy, you might wonder how to tell if an avocado is small just by looking or holding it.
– A small avocado is roughly 3 to 4 inches long.
– Its circumference (around the widest part) might be about 4 to 7 inches.
– For instance, some “teeny tiny” avocados sold in stores are about 3.5 inches long and 7 inches around at the thickest part.
So, if your avocado fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and feels light, it’s likely a small one.
How Much Edible Flesh Does a Small Avocado Have?
Not all the weight of an avocado is edible flesh; a significant part is the large seed and skin. On average, avocados have about 66% to 70% edible flesh by weight, regardless of size.
For small avocados (size 70 or 84), this means:
– A size 70 avocado weighing around 5 ounces will have about 3.5 ounces of flesh.
– A size 84 avocado weighing about 4 ounces will have roughly 3 ounces of flesh.
This is roughly equivalent to half a cup to two-thirds of a cup of avocado flesh, perfect for a single serving or a small recipe.
Why Does Avocado Size Matter?
Knowing avocado sizes helps in several ways:
– Cooking and recipes: Some recipes call for a whole avocado or a specific amount of avocado flesh. Using a small avocado might mean you need two to match the amount of a medium or large one.
– Cost-effectiveness: Smaller avocados often cost less but may require buying more to get the same amount of flesh.
– Ripening time: Smaller avocados tend to ripen faster, which is great if you want to use them quickly.
Different Avocado Varieties and Their Sizes
While Hass avocados are the most common and come in various sizes, other varieties have different typical sizes:
– The Pollock avocado is one of the largest, weighing up to 5 pounds and measuring up to 7 inches long.
– The Monroe avocado is also large, often over 2 pounds, with firmer flesh.
– Most avocados you find in stores weigh between 3.5 ounces and 1 pound, with small ones at the lower end of this range.
How to Choose the Right Size Avocado for You
Here are some tips to pick the perfect avocado size:
– For individual snacks or small salads, a small avocado (size 70 or 84) is ideal.
– For guacamole or dishes serving multiple people, medium to large avocados (sizes 32 to 40) provide more flesh.
– If you want to store avocados for longer, larger ones might last a bit longer before ripening.
Quick Size Reference for Avocados
| Size Number | Weight Range (oz) | Flesh Yield (oz) | Approximate Length (inches) | Size Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | 13.75 – 15.7 | 8.5 | 6 – 7 | Large |
| 40 | 9.5 – 11.5 | 6 | 5 – 6 | Medium |
| 48 | 7.5 – 9.5 | 4.85 | 4.5 – 5 | Small-Medium |
| 70 | 4.75 – 6.25 | 3.5 | 3 – 4 | Small |
| 84 | 3.75 – 4.75 | 3 | 3 or less | Very Small |
This table helps you visualize how a small avocado compares to its bigger cousins.
Fun Facts About Avocado Sizes
– Avocados are classified by how many fit into a 25-pound carton, so the size number is actually a count, not a direct size measurement.
– The seed size can vary, so two avocados with the same weight might have different amounts of flesh.
– Smaller avocados are sometimes called “teeny tiny” or “mini” avocados in stores.
Wrapping It Up
When you hear “small avocado,” think of a fruit that’s about 3 to 4 inches long and weighs between 4.75 and 6.25 ounces. It offers around 3.5 ounces of creamy, delicious flesh-just enough for a snack or a small recipe. Whether you’re slicing it for toast or blending it into a smoothie, knowing the size helps you get the perfect amount every time.
Small avocados are a handy, tasty option that fits right in your hand and your meal plan!