![Avocados 085](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-085-450x337.jpg)
Many thanks to the California Avocado Commission, Mission Produce and to California Avocado Growers, especially the Pinkertons for one of the best days ever. We LOVE Avocados.
![Avocados 009](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-009-450x337.jpg)
We recently traveled to Oxnard for a hands on tour with a California Avocado Grower.
![Avocados 040](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-040-450x337.jpg)
It’s a special day when you start it with an outdoor brunch on a hill.
![Avocados 055](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-055-450x337.jpg)
AVOCADOS — The Star of the day in every way.
![Avocados 075](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-075-450x337.jpg)
We learned about growing techniques from Dan Pinkerton on his farm.
![Avocados 090](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-090-450x337.jpg)
Bloggers from all around were invited to experience the California Avocado Story.
![Avocados 077](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-077-450x337.jpg)
We RSVP’ed Y-E-S!
![Avocados 039](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-039-450x337.jpg)
And you can see why we were glad to experience it all.
![Avocados 056](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-056-450x337.jpg)
Avocado in EVERYTHING was the Menu — Starting with a Shrimp and Scallop Ceviche.
![Avocados 061](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-061-450x337.jpg)
Bacon Smoked with Avocado Wood.
![Avocados 009](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-0091-450x337.jpg)
A very fresh Fruit Salad, including Avocados — It’s a Fruit you know, right!?
![Avocados 022](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-022-450x337.jpg)
Omelettes with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Cheese and sliced Avocados.
![Avocados 013](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-013-450x337.jpg)
Baby Greens Salad with Avocado.
![Avocados 020](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-020-450x337.jpg)
Spring Vegetable, Sausage and California Avocado Frittata.
![Avocados 011](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-011-450x337.jpg)
Warm Bagels with an Avocado Spread.
![Avocados 007](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-007-450x337.jpg)
Grilled Fajita Potatoes with Avocados.
![Avocados 019](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-019-450x337.jpg)
A Chocolate Mousse dessert made with Avocados.
![Avocados 027](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-027-450x337.jpg)
Professionals also photographed Avocados’ glory.
![Avocados 030](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-030-450x337.jpg)
My first plate (below) before going back for more Bacon Smoked with Avocado Wood.
![Avocados 031](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-031-450x337.jpg)
Take all the Avocados you want they told us — Thank you!
![Avocados 035](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-035-450x337.jpg)
We stuffed our face (and bags to go). 🙂
![Avocados 048](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-048-450x337.jpg)
We loved the view, brunch and our friendly, informative tour guides.
![Avocados 070](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-070-450x337.jpg)
Our drive was already worth it.
![Avocados 046](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-046-450x337.jpg)
Then it was on to Dan and Susan Pinkerton’s other grove/farm/crop, along with Jan from the California Avocado Commission to pick our own Avocados and possibly drive a tractor.
![Avocados 050](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-050-450x337.jpg)
Learning about tree buds and what to look for and hope for when growing Avocados.
![Avocados 095](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-095-450x337.jpg)
The beautiful trees were loaded.
![Avocados 071](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-071-450x337.jpg)
Looking to pick some Avocados.
![Avocados 084](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-084-450x337.jpg)
As if all wasn’t enough, it was on to a tour of one of California’s leading Avocado packing houses, Mission Produce — It was truly a behind-the-scenes look at a farm-to-fork journey.
![Avocados 015](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-015-450x337.jpg)
Hair nets please everyone — Oh goody.
![Avocados 107](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-107-450x337.jpg)
Thousands of Avocados — Crates filled on farms and hauled off by tractors to be here.
![Avocados 109](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-109-450x337.jpg)
First a cold wash to bring down the Avocados’ basking-in-the-sun temperature.
![Avocados 113](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-113-450x337.jpg)
The cool-down is an important step to Mission Produce.
![Avocados 114](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-114-450x337.jpg)
On to the belts and rollers, through specially made machinery.
![Avocados 124](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-124-450x337.jpg)
First a wash, then light wax.
![Avocados 126](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-126-450x337.jpg)
Now sorting — Second tier Avocados, Grade 2’s get tossed on top for separate packaging.
![Avocados 132](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-132-450x337.jpg)
Others move on to be weighed, stickered by size and PLU, then packaged.
![Avocados 141](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-141-450x337.jpg)
Each cup weighs then drops the Avocado — I think the heaviest lasts the longest. Not sure.
![Avocados 142](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-142-450x337.jpg)
Boxing Avocados to be shipped to grocery stores and restaurants near YOU.
![Avocados 144](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-144-450x337.jpg)
You’ve seen them sold in stores and now you know the care involved — All is well run.
![Avocados 148](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-148-450x337.jpg)
More Avocados to take home — Thank you! And a 1/2 Avocado Stress Ball. Does it look real?
![Avocados 009](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocados-0092-450x337.jpg)
We’re grateful for all that grows, those who grow it and those who get it to us.
![Avocado Tree](http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Avocado-Tree-450x337.jpg)
What an amazing day — God bless California Avocados.
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