Discover the Harricado Avocado
The Harricado avocado is a unique chance discovery from Nelson. After Harry Pearson, a member of the New Zealand Tree Crops Association (NZTCA), purchased a new property, he found an established avocado tree that produced an abundance of large fruit. Recognizing how special this tree was, Harry lent his name to this new variety: the Harricado. He has since partnered with the NZTCA to make it more widely available to other growers.
The Harricado is a large avocado with a thin, black skin when ripe. Its flesh is creamy and smooth, and it’s slow to oxidize once cut. Because of its delicate, thin skin, it isn’t ideal for commercial transportation, but it’s perfect for a home orchard.
While much is still being learned about the Harricado, early trials suggest it’s a self-fertile variety that can tolerate moderate frost and wind. The NZTCA is currently trialing grafted and cutting-grown clones across New Zealand to better understand its pollination characteristics, rootstock tolerance, and specific soil and climate requirements.
In 2024, the NZTCA commissioned nurseries to propagate a limited stock of Harricado trees for its members. The demand was incredibly high, and all the initial trees have been allocated. Future availability will depend on demand and will initially be offered exclusively to NZTCA members. For any questions, you can contact nelsontca.research@gmail.com.
You can also learn more about this exciting discovery by listening to an interview with Harry Pearson on the RNZ website.
Avocados can be a pricey purchase, so growing your own is a great way to ensure you always have some on hand. Imagine the luck of buying a property and discovering a unique and delicious new variety right in your own backyard!