Description
Reed is the favorite summer avocado variety of many in Southern California, including me. Originating around 1948 in Carlsbad, San Diego County, Reed is a large, round avocado. Some call it “the green cannonball one.” Known for its smooth texture and the high productivity of its tree, Reed can’t be beat in its season.
GEM is a cream-of-the-crop avocado that was selected by Gray Edward Martin while working under Bob Bergh at the avocado breeding program of the University of California. The avocado is slightly larger and rounder than Hass on average, and with a slightly larger and pointier seed. The skin of GEM is a bit thicker than Hass, and it has a shimmering speckle to it when unripe. As the fruit ripens, it turns black. It is one of my favorite eating avocados, with a meaty texture and a nutty flavor.
Luna was also selected by Gray Martin and Bob Bergh at approximately the same time as GEM, but it was only recently patented and released for farmers to grow (in 2023). Because of this, it can be considered the newest U.C. variety. Luna’s harvest season starts a bit later than GEM (and GEM starts a bit later than Hass). Smaller than Hass on average, the Luna avocado has more of a pear shape, slightly smoother skin, and flesh inside that has a melting texture.
These are clean avocados. None of the trees from which these avocados were harvested have ever been sprayed with anything.
The Reed avocados are from my home grove in Ramona, the GEMs from BalMar Farm in Fallbrook, and the Lunas from Eli’s Farm in Fallbrook, all in San Diego County.
Learn more about the Reed variety in my profile here. And for more on the GEM variety, see my profile here. My profile of Luna is upcoming.
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