Hello! Today’s post is all about Reason #28 Why California is the Best… Avocados! I visited an avocado orchard in Irvine – just one city over from where I live. Boom! The California Avocado Commission and Vons invited a group of bloggers to tour the field and have the most avocado-y lunch ever.
I was super excited because they said there would be a Guacamole Eating Contest! I can dominate that! But it turns out it was a Guacamole Making contest. Oh well, I still ate the most out of anyone.
The California Avocado Commission offices and this orchard are in Irvine, CA – that’s basically my backyard. I love when I can get local produce like this.
There’s just something extra satisfying about being able to step outside and grab fresh herbs or a handful of cherry tomatoes from your own yard. Having a well-designed backyard garden isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about making your outdoor space work for you. Whether it’s a few raised beds or a full-fledged orchard, it all adds to the feeling that your home is more than just a house—it’s your own little ecosystem.
That’s where a good landscaping expert makes all the difference. I’ve picked up a lot over the years, but bringing in pros like Sugar Green Gardens takes things to a whole new level. They know how to blend beauty and function, especially for edible gardens that thrive in Southern California’s climate. It’s amazing what a few strategic choices—sun placement, irrigation, soil health—can do for both curb appeal and your salad bowl.
Check out the Pacific Ocean way out in the distance of this pic…
Baby avocados!
Next year’s avocado crops are lil babies right now. They will be ready to be picked between January and July.
I learned a few things too! All this time I considered myself an avocado expert since my parents’ have avocado trees and I eat approximately 22 avocados a week.
I always just pull avocados off the tree when I pick them. You’re supposed to leave a tiny piece of stem, that helps prevent disease that can get into the avocado from the stem spot.
We have a fruit picker with a claw on it but this has a little clipper thing to cut it…
We had lunch outside. It was a magical avocado picnic…
Vegan Cauliflower Ceviche – so good! This would be a great dish to bring to a potluck.
BBQ Tri-tip with Avocado Chimchurri – I’m usually not a beef person but I tried this since it was fancy.
This. This this this. Avocado Potato Salad. I love avocados. I love potatoes. Put them together and it’s magic.
Kale salad with avocado dressing.
Chipotle Portabella Mushrooms topped with avocado relish. This is how vegans don’t miss meat.
Even the dessert had avocado!!
These are key lime pudding shots.
We ended the day with our guacamole making contest. I think we all won.
Let’s see…chips, toast, sandwiches, salads, eggs, tacos, etc
Just so upset that they are so expensive – even up here in Nor Cal!
Looks so good! I’m just like I hope no one found out they were allergic to avocados that day haha.
I love avocados! I eat them with a pinch of salt right out of the rind. I cut them in half, remove the seed, sprinkle a little salt and eat them with a spoon right out of the rind. YUM! Pretty much any to eat them is fine by me. I’m envious that you can grow them and get them from the source.
Love avocados. Love them.
YAYYY this was such a fun time and it was so great meeting you in person!
Love that Avocado Toast is a staple rather than a luxury out in Cali … a benefit of living in such a pricey place, I guess 🙂
I just want to try that entire meal…it looks heavenly…especially the dessert. 😉
Man, you make me want to come to California just for the avocados. In Hong Kong, they’re overpriced and never reliable. It’s because of all the importing… it’s a running joke amongst us locals here that we can never have normally-priced, delicious avocados!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
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