What’s Wrong With ‘Galil’ Avocados? Israel Issues Mid-Summer Warning
Israel Plant Council warns consumers against purchasing Galil avocados before August 15 due to premature harvesting concerns. Find out when different varieties will be available.
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The Israel Plant Council issued a public warning on Sunday morning, urging consumers not to purchase "Galil" variety of avocados in the coming weeks, citing concerns that the fruit currently on sale is under-ripe and not yet suitable for consumption. The advisory is in effect until August 15.
Shahar Goldberg, Chairman of the Avocado Board at the Plant Council, explained:
“Based on past experience, we recently reminded growers and distributors of the correct harvest timelines and ripening criteria to prevent immature fruit from reaching the market. Unfortunately, a small number of ‘Galil’ avocado growers, facing financial hardship, have given in to temptation and are currently distributing fruit that is not ready, and will ultimately disappoint consumers.”
Goldberg added:
“We strongly urge the public not to purchase Galil avocados harvested before August 15. At the same time, we call on these growers to immediately cease this practice, which harms not only consumers but also the majority of avocado farmers who adhere to the proper standards.”
Arna Sandel, Head of Quality and Standards for the fruit sector at the Council, clarified that while the season for some varieties is ending, consumers can still find limited quantities of ripe "Reed" avocados in stores. By late August, properly ripened Galil avocados will become available, followed by the "Ettinger" variety starting mid-September. From November onward, additional varieties such as Fuerte, Hass, Pinkerton, Arad, and others will gradually return to the shelves.