Avocado Facts for Kids

What am I?

I am a fruit that is known for my bumpy skin and pear-like shape. Some people even call me an "alligator pear" because of how I look.

I'm a complicated fruit. You cannot look at my size to tell if I'll taste delicious or am ready to pick. ​Inside I have a big seed or pit that you can't eat, but the rest is bright green and delicious!

Where I grow

I grow on trees in warm places like Mexico and California. My tree is a special kind of tree that needs lots of sunshine and water to grow big and healthy. One tree can grow about 150 fruits per year!
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Don't worry about waiting until I'm ripe on the tree. I will never get ripe there... it's only after you pick me that I will ripen and be ready to eat. Until I'm ready to eat, my skin will be green and my flesh will be hard.

After I'm picked

After I'm picked, I can take anywhere from several days to a week or more to ripen. When I am ripe, my skin will turn from green to a darker color, and I will be slightly soft to the touch. Then, I can be cut open and eaten, or mashed up to make a delicious dip or spread called guacamole.

I'm often added to Mexican-inspired dishes and salads, and I can even be added to baked goods and smoothies!

Did you guess... Avocado

Español: palta

Did you guess that I am an avocado? That's right! Avocados are a superfood that are packed with healthy fats and vitamins. They can help keep your heart, skin, and eyes healthy. So next time you see a bumpy green fruit at the grocery store or at a restaurant, give it a try!

Learn more and explore an avocado farm!

​​Feed your food curiosity! Snackster Sam provides fun and educational content about food that grows. Join the adventure. Download the Snackster Sam app from Google Play or the App Store!