The end of March 2019 brought the close of the season for shipping Hawaii Sharwil avocados to the US Mainland. This year a new certified packing operation managed by Kane Plantation, located in Honaunau in the South Kona District, shipped more than 73,000 pounds of Sharwils to the mainland, mostly to Seattle.
This was by far the largest annual total since the USDA issued a protocol authorizing shipments of Sharwils to the Mainland 4 years ago. Those shipments are currently allowed only to northern tier states from November 1 through March 31. Rancho Aloha was proud to have contributed more than 2,600 pounds to this year’s total. Next year Kane Plantation anticipates a 50% increase in Sharwil deliveries.
About Sharwil Avocados: The “Sharwil” avocado was developed in Queensland, Australia in 1951 by Frank Sharpe and J.C. Wilson. The name is an amalgamation of Sharpe and Wilson.
In 1966 the first Sharwil scions were sent from Australia to Hawaii where Sharwils now represent more than 50% of commercial avocado farming in the state. In part because it is sensitive to frost, Sharwil has thrived in frost-free Hawaii orchards. Sharwil is unique for its rich, nutty, and buttery flavor and high oil content (20-24%). Hawaii Sharwil is considered by many to be the “World’s Best Avocado”.
Bruce admiring the Sharwil crop