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Bacon Avocado Tree
The Bacon Avocado Tree is a well-known variety first cultivated in 1954 by James Bacon in Buena Park, California. Despite its name, the Bacon Avocado does not taste like bacon. It is actually valued for its smooth texture, mild flavor, and reliable production. This variety is a Type B avocado, making it an excellent companion tree for cross-pollination with Type A varieties such as Hass.
Climate & Growing Conditions
The Bacon Avocado Tree is adaptable and relatively cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as 26°F (-3°C), which makes it suitable for cooler regions compared to many other avocado varieties. It grows best in USDA Zones 8–11 and typically reaches 15 to 20 feet in height. With its upright growth habit and glossy, dark green foliage, the Bacon Avocado Tree is both productive and ornamental.
Bacon Avocado Tree Fruit Description
The Bacon Avocado produces medium to large fruit, usually weighing 6 to 12 ounces. The fruit has a distinct oval shape with smooth, thin, dark green skin marked by faint speckles. Inside, the flesh is creamy with a mild, lightly buttery flavor. Its less rich than the popular Hass variety but perfect for those who enjoy a subtler taste. Each fruit contains a relatively large pit, which makes up a good portion of the fruit’s volume. Bacon avocados do not ripen on the tree; instead, they must be harvested and then allowed to soften at room temperature.
Tree Characteristics
The Bacon Avocado Tree has an upright, medium-sized structure, forming a lush canopy of dark green, glossy leaves. It is a late-producing variety, delivering abundant harvests during its fruiting season. The tree’s resilience to cooler temperatures makes it especially popular among home growers in regions where other avocado types may struggle.
Uses
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Culinary: The mild, creamy flavor of Bacon avocados makes them versatile in the kitchen. They are excellent for salads, sandwiches, guacamole, avocado toast, smoothies, sauces, or simply enjoyed fresh with a sprinkle of salt.
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Health Benefits: Like other avocados, Bacon avocados are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, potassium, and vitamins C, E, and K—making them a nutritious addition to any diet.
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Gardening: With their manageable size and cold tolerance, Bacon Avocado Trees are well-suited for home gardens in climates across the Southwest, California, and beyond.
Important Considerations
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Pollination: As a Type B avocado, the Bacon benefits from cross-pollination with Type A varieties such as Hass to maximize fruit production.
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Storage: Once harvested, Bacon avocados typically ripen within 7 to 10 days. Keep them at room temperature until soft, then refrigerate to extend freshness.