Tasty Treats in Katikati

Let's face it, we all love food. And the Bay of Plenty is famous for producing some of the best fruit and vegetables in the world - and did you know that Katikati is the avocado capital of New Zealand? Read on to find out more...

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KATIKATI AVOCADO CAPITAL OF NEW ZEALAND

Katikati has been home to avocados since Arthur Honeyfield planted his first trees at Kauri Point in 1968. There are now approximately 500 avocado orchards in Katikati - that's a lot of avocados!

 

Katikati Avocado Food & Wine Festival

Every year Katikati hosts the Avocado Food & Wine Festival which is full to the brim with live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, family-friendly attractions and lots more. It's a great way to spend the day in Katikati - make sure you check out the Haiku Pathway and amazing murals while you're there!

Tim Avocado Tours NZ

NZ AVOCADO TOURS

Explore the world of avocados with a 90-minute tour of a working orchard. Only a six minute drive from Katikati, NZ Avocado Tours share insights into growing avocados and the orchard's history. Learn about New Zealand's avocado cultivation, global avocado history, and observe the orchard's unique features and local wildlife.

Taste avocado treats, and discover diverse uses beyond the typical 'smashed on toast' and guacamole. Learn more here

 

What makes avocados so good for you?  

They are high in dietary fibre and healthy fats which can help maintain good cholesterol levels and also contain:

  • Vitamin A, zeaxanthin and carotenoids which are important for eye health and may reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases.
  • Vitamin 86, which is important for the red blood cells, and the nervous and immune systems.
  • Vitamin C, which is vital for immune function and skin health.
  • Vitamin E, which helps to protect us from viral illnesses and from heavy metals.
  • Folic acid, which is critical during pregnancy.
  • Vitamin K, which assists blood clotting and healthy bones.
  • Zinc, which helps the body to heal, and is vital during pregnancy and for male fertility.
  • Iron, which is needed for red blood cell regeneration and prevention of anaemia.
  • Copper, which helps the brain and liver.
  • Potassium, which can help with heart disease and high blood pressure.

 

How do I know if an 'avo' is ripe?

When buying an avocado check that the stem button is still attached as this prevents bacteria from entering. You are best to buy avocados while they are still firm but always handle them gently as they bruise.

Avocados can be stored at room temperature for up to 12 days or longer if kept in the fridge. 7-10° Celsius is the best temperature.

To test for ripeness, check the colour. Bright or olive green means that the fruit is not ripe. Brown green means that the fruit is ripe enough for slicing or dicing and when it is purple-brown it is perfect. Do not try squeezing as this will bruise the fruit.

The ripening can be sped up by putting the avocado into a paper bag together with an apple or banana and closed tightly.