Fruit of the tree Persica americana, also known as the avocado pear or alligator pear, because of its rough skin and pear shape, although it is not related to the pear. It is unusual among fruits for its high fat content (17-27%), of which 7-14% is linoleic acid, and also for the fact that it does not ripen until after it has been removed from the tree.

Half an avocado (130 g) is a rich source of vitamin C and copper; a good source of vitamin B6; a source of protein and iron; contains 26 g of fat, of which 20% is saturated; provides 2.6 g of dietary fibre; supplies 265 kcal (1110 kJ).

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Order: Laurales
Family: Lauraceae
Genus: Persea
Species: P. americana

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy 670 kJ (160 kcal)
Carbohydrates 8.53 g
Sugars 0.66 g
Dietary fiber 6.7 g
Fat 14.66 g
saturated 2.13 g
monounsaturated 9.80 g
polyunsaturated 1.82 g
Protein 2 g
Thiamine (Vit. B1) 0.067 mg (5%)
Riboflavin (Vit. B2) 0.130 mg (9%)
Niacin (Vit. B3) 1.738 mg (12%)
Pantothenic acid (B5) 1.389 mg (28%)
Vitamin B6 0.257 mg (20%)
Folate (Vit. B9) 81 μg (20%)
Vitamin C 10 mg (17%)
Calcium 12 mg (1%)
Iron 0.55 mg (4%)
Magnesium 29 mg (8%
Phosphorus 52 mg (7%)
Potassium 485 mg (10%)
Zinc 0.64 mg (6%)