When it Comes to Avocados, Which is it: Hass or Haas?

We’re often asked, “which is it, Hass Avocado or Haas Avocado?” The correct spelling is “Hass.” The word “Hass” rhymes with “class,” and is often mistaken to rhyme with “Hoss” or “Hozz.”

Why is it “Hass Avocado?”

Because the Hass Avocado is named after Rudolph Hass, a California postman who patented the Hass Avocado in 1935.

Historic photo of Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Hass in front of an avocado tree

Hass planted the first Hass Avocado seed in his grove in the late 1920’s after purchasing it from A. R. Rideout of Whittier, California. He planned to graft another variety on it (more info on grafting here), but when repeated grafts didn’t take he planned to cut the tree down. Fortunately for Hass Avocado lovers everywhere, he was talked out of it.

It turned out that it was a very productive tree, and produced excellent tasting avocados. His children preferred the taste of the Hass tree’s fruit to that of the Fuerte, the predominant variety and industry standard in those days. And consumers did too, while grocers favored it for its durability and longer shelf life.

Today, the Hass accounts for about 80 percent of all avocados eaten worldwide and generates more than $2 billion a year in revenues in the United States alone.

Why do I sometimes see “Haas” then?

It’s a common misspelling that spread almost as quickly as the popularity of the Hass Avocado itself. But I love to talk about it because it reiterates the heritage of the Hass Avocado.

All Hass Avocados, no matter where they are grown in the world, can trace their roots to the original Hass Avocado tree that Rudie planted in the mid 1920’s in his grove in La Habra Heights, California. Which is why we call the Hass Avocado a California Native.

The Hass Avocado Mother Tree in La Habra Heights, California

This plaque on West Road in La Habra Heights, California where the Hass Mother tree once lived. Photo Courtesy of La Habra Heights Avocado Festival

The California Hass Avocado is in season from Spring – Fall. So check for “California” on the avocado label to be sure you are getting a California grown avocado.

More info

There’s lots of information available online with more history of the Hass Avocado. Here are a few good places to browse if you’re looking for more info:

• CaliforniaAvocado.com – Hass Avocado History
• Wikipedia.com – Hass Avocado

And if you’re looking for some decilious avocado recipes, check out our desserts, appetizers, and comfort foods.