The current period - late July and early August - is considered a transitional season between the 'Reed', the last variety of the previous season, and the early varieties of the new season.
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These days, the Plant Council is warning consumers not to purchase unripe avocados, especially the 'Galil' variety, which finds its way to markets and stores before they are ripe.
Shahar Goldberg, chairman of the Avocado Table at the Plant Council, explains: "In light of past experience, we recently approached avocado growers and marketers and refined the ripening and harvesting dates and indicators in order to prevent unripe fruit from reaching the markets.
"Unfortunately, a small number of 'Galil' avocado growers who have fallen into financial distress have not resisted the temptation - and are currently marketing early fruit for sale that will not ripen and will disappoint consumers. Therefore, we recommend not buying 'Galil' avocados harvested before August 15th, and at the same time - we ask those farmers to cease this practice immediately."
"This act harms consumers first and foremost, and also causes harm to honest avocado growers, who are of course the vast majority of growers."
Arena Sandel, director of quality and standards in the fruit industry at the Plant Council, notes: "Although it is the end of the season, a limited amount of 'Reed' avocados that are suitable for eating can still be found on the shelves. At the end of August, ripe 'Galil' avocados will be on the shelves, and from September 15, 'Ettinger' avocados will also be added. From November onwards, many additional varieties will join - Puerta, Hass, Pinkerton, Arad and more."
How can you differentiate between the varieties currently on the shelves?
• 'Reed' avocado: A variety that is round like a ball and has a hard, thick, slightly rough skin. This variety is picked starting in mid-March and is on the shelves until July.
• 'Galil' avocado: A variety whose fruits are elongated, smooth, and have a thin, green, shiny skin, beginning to ripen towards the end of August.
The Plant Council operates in the public and professional spheres of the agricultural sector as a central factor alongside the Ministry of Agriculture and growers' organizations.
It was established in 2004, and currently consists of 4 different branches: fruits, vegetables, citrus fruits, and the olive branch. It is a council that operates according to a law that stipulates that growers will have a majority in the institutions that manage it, and that government representatives, marketers, exporters, and consumers serve alongside them in the council's institutions.
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