Mareeba Avocados
Gorge Creek Orchards grows premium Australian avocados near Mareeba in Far North Queensland.
The climate and growing conditions of the Mareeba district are well suited to avocado production, producing quality fruit with smooth, creamy flesh.
About Avocados
Avocados are distinctive fruit with smooth, creamy flesh surrounding a single large seed.
They are extremely versatile and can be enjoyed fresh in salads, sandwiches and on toast, or used in dips, guacamole and many other dishes.
One of the interesting characteristics of avocados is that the fruit does not normally soften and become ready to eat while still attached to the tree. The ripening process occurs after the fruit has been harvested.
Our Avocado Season
Avocado harvesting at Gorge Creek Orchards takes place during the warmer months of the year.
The exact timing of harvest varies from year to year depending on seasonal conditions, fruit maturity and weather.
Far North Queensland is an important avocado-growing region, with the elevated areas around Mareeba and the Atherton Tablelands providing favourable conditions for avocado production.
Choosing an Avocado
When choosing an avocado, feel is generally more useful than appearance alone.
A ripe avocado should yield slightly to gentle pressure when held in the palm of your hand. Avoid squeezing the fruit firmly with your fingertips, as this can cause bruising.
If you are not planning to eat the avocado immediately, choose firmer fruit and allow it to ripen naturally at room temperature.
Ripening Avocados
Firm avocados can be left at room temperature until they soften and are ready to eat.
To help speed up the natural ripening process, an avocado can be placed in a paper bag at room temperature. Adding a banana or apple to the bag can further accelerate ripening.
Check the fruit regularly and, once it yields slightly to gentle pressure, it is ready to enjoy.
Preparing an Avocado
Cut the avocado lengthwise around the seed and gently twist the two halves apart.
The seed can be carefully removed with a spoon. The flesh can then be scooped directly from the skin or the skin can be peeled away before slicing.
Cut avocado flesh can naturally darken when exposed to air. Lemon or lime juice can help slow this discolouration.
Storing Avocados
Firm avocados are best left at room temperature while they ripen.
Once ripe, whole avocados can be refrigerated to slow further ripening and help maintain their eating quality.
Cut avocado should be covered and refrigerated. A little lemon or lime juice on the exposed flesh can help reduce browning.
Grown in Mareeba, Far North Queensland
Our avocados are grown at Gorge Creek Orchards near Mareeba in Far North Queensland.
From flowering and fruit development through to harvest, our orchards are carefully managed throughout the growing season to produce quality Australian-grown avocados.
Gorge Creek Orchards Avocados
More Information
For more information about Australian avocados, visit Australian Avocados .