Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Slimcado = A-No-cado

Here's just a quick blurb about the "slimcado." For those of you who don't know, the slimcado is a fairly new breed of avocado that I have seen a lot lately in grocery stores here in Florida. They are avocados that are bred to have less fat and less calories. Well, what they don't tell you is that it has less flavor. There's really no point in eating these. Even though avocados have gotten the bad rep of being fattening and bad for you -- well guess what? They're actually good for you! They have no cholesterol and have mostly good fat, and relatively little saturated fat. And that little bit of good fat makes them taste so good! Just eat them in moderation.


The slimcados are just pretty gross, to be honest with you. They are larger than your typical avocado, and they have a shiny, smooth, bright green skin. I've seen a sign that says you should eat them when they turn a reddish-purplish color, but I bought one the other day and it didn't get that color. It was perfectly ripe when it was still bright green, it just had small dark spots all over. The slimcado just tastes like a watery avocado. It doesn't have that rich yummy texture and flavor that you expect and WANT from an avocado. I was just curious about the slimcado, so that's why I bought it... Now I know and I don't ever have to buy one again. But if you're curious, too, or you have really convinced yourself that these are much better for you, then I recommend putting a lot of lime juice and salt to help out the flavor. But really, just stay away from them. The slimcado does not taste good, plain and simple.


Here's more info on the real, delicious, and healthy avocado (from http://www.avocado.org/):


Avocado Nutrition Structure/Function Statements:


  • Avocados contain 81 micrograms of the carotenoid lutein, which some studies suggest may help maintain healthy eyes.

  • Avocados are included in Fruits & Veggies-More Matters™ consumer educational program to promote increased consumption of fruits and vegetables for good health.

  • Avocados contribute nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds that can contribute to the nutrient quality of your diet.

  • Avocados, due to their mono and polyunsaturated fat content, are a healthy substitution for foods rich in saturated fat.

  • One-fifth of a medium avocado (1 oz) has 50 calories and contributes nearly 20 vitamins and minerals making it a good nutrient choice.

  • Avocados contain 76 milligrams beta-sitosterol in a 3-oz serving of avocado. Beta-sitosterol is a natural plant sterol which may help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

21 comments:

yoyoadrienne said...

Living in Boca, I would've thought you'd know about SlimCados. They're not GMO'd (look at the avocado's sticker, the PLU doesn't start with an 8, all GMO produce start with an 8).

SlimCados are and have been grown in Florida for decades. Living in Miami, I grew up with them.

SlimCados do taste different from hass or California type. When you think about it California = dry climate, Florida is anything but dry.

A SlimCado may not be the one to mash into guacamole, but try dicing them into a salad, or top a hot soup, sandwich or burger.

It's true, avocados do contain the good fat, but doctors say you still must eat in moderation (70 calories a day). I like it that I can eat more avocado with the SlimCado.

I didn't mean to go on and on but I'm kinda of 'eat locally' kind of girl and I love our Florida avocados.

YardBoy said...

Just had my first SlimCado and found it almost melon-like. Not a bad thing, but as said, it's lighter, crisper and suited to a Summer salad. Haas remains my #1 for flavor/texture and regardless of reputation, still fits into my weight loss plan. 1/4 Haas is 7.5 grams of good fat [1/4 of my daily ration] and 80 calories. For example, it's great as part of my breakfast since that oil compliments the oil-soluble vitamins in my morning multi. Later in the day, the Haas has the texture to replace my lust for butter and mayo. Just sayin'

Jake said...

Slimcados are not new, nor are they engineered in any way. They've existed forever, and were discovered growing in Florida in the 1800's. This is the problem witht the internet, any old retard can post something nomatter how inaccurate.

Anonymous said...

I tried a slimcado today for the first time. I was really excited about it since I love avocado's and am very health conscious. After reading your blog I expected the worst. I was pleasantly surprised to find the slimcado delicious!Granted it does not have the exact same creamy texture, but very close.I admit that when mashed, it did appear a little watery, however when sliced it was almost exactly the same as a regular avocado. Maybe you had a bad one and should try again?

millionayers said...

They taste like dirt.

Anonymous said...

My first SlimCado today was very good! I don't understand people hating it. I sliced it on top of a big salad and seasoned it with bacon salt. It was lighter but still had good flavor. Like all avocados it needs to be fully ripe to eat. Mine had a brown spot on the tip and was soft before I cut it. The pit came right out and the skin peeled off in one piece. Everyone should try this for themselves. It was twice as big and half the price of a CA avocado.

Zamipoo said...

Its probably genetically modified too. Not good news.

Anonymous said...

The "slimcado" is NOT, repeat NOT,
genetically modified. Geeze, people you can like it or not like it, but quit making things up. These avocados have been around forever in Florida and if you get a properly ripe one, they're just fine.

Raederle said...

I wrote a blog entry about my Slimcado experience here: http://reallyrawraederle.blogspot.com/2011/08/article-slimcado-avocado.html

Anonymous said...

I tried Slimcado yesterday. I had never seen in grocery store until recently. I thought the texture was a bit firmer than Hass, flavor a little fruitier/nuttier- maybe not my go to for my homemade guac, but for sandwich and salad, I'll definately use. I enjoy mixing things up and trying new fruits/vegs when I can.

Anonymous said...

try me again; how do I know when it is ripe? So far it just looks very green and won't talk. Nice price compared to the Haas. Will it grow in N.Florida? Or do we only get Southern Baptist's?

abbyful said...

I'm an avocado lover. I haven't actually tried the SlimCado, but I've seen them in the grocery store and decided to do a little research on them. They are nutritionally inferior to Hass Avocados, I have the comparison on my blog: http://abby-eats.blogspot.com/2011/09/horrible-product-slimcado.html

Anonymous said...

The Slimcado is just a Florida avocado with a PR person. Florida avocados are different from California ones -- they're larger, more watery and therefore lower in fat. They're also higher in fiber than California avocados. They work really well in fruit smoothies, too, for getting in some monounsaturated fats. As for when they're ripe, you can't go by the directions for California avocados -- they'll never be the same color. They're ripe when they yield to slight pressure.

Anonymous said...

I really like these. They are are a hellava lot less expensive than regular avocados and they are bigger so you get more. The taste is unique and it goes great in my morning shakes to make it creamy and perfect. Slimcados are all I eat now.

I think people should try them, but maybe not for guac....

isbelle said...

One of the nastiest things I've ever eaten. Stay away and stick with the good avocados!

Anonymous said...

The Slimcado is delicious! Not the same as Haas, but so uniquely different. Light and mildly sweet, I can easily eat these plain just sliced, or chunked in salads. I haven't tried it yet, but could imagine they would be good in sandwiches, too. A plus that they are NOT GMO and are grown in Florida! They are so large this time of year and the price is right ~ YUM :)

IrishGreen said...

There is no ONE "California" or "Florida" type of avocado. There are many. There isn't even one type of "SlimCado". According to the Slimcado trademark owner Brooks Tropicals, they grow and packs a range of avocado varieties called SlimCados, which share one common characteristic: they have up to half the fat and a third fewer calories than the leading California avocado. I just had a SlimCado for the first time with fajitas. While I wouldn't make guacamole with them, I found it perfect with my fajitas.

JanAtch said...

They're ok but I am going to say this....ANONYMOUS are you staying incognito because you don't have any real facts? I don't know if the Slimcado is a GMO food or not but do not state it is NOT unless you can back it up with facts. The fact that they are grown in FL doesn't mean squat.

JanAtch said...

They're ok but I am going to say this....ANONYMOUS are you staying incognito because you don't have any real facts? I don't know if the Slimcado is a GMO food or not but do not state it is NOT unless you can back it up with facts. The fact that they are grown in FL doesn't mean squat.

Anonymous said...

What would my life be w/o avocados? AVOCADO not slimcado. Some folks love the slim but my taste buds say they just don't suffice at all. I prefer nature as closest to unaltered as possible. As a rule I agree with the feeling that "low fat" or fat free is not always the most healthful option.

Anonymous said...

I was wary of the Slimcado like everyone else. It's not bad, but it's definitely a less flavorful version of an avocado. I don't feel guilty about eating an avocado nearly every day, but it gets hard to find good/ripe ones where I live. The Slimcado will do when I am desperate!