The SlimCado: Lite on fat - but also flavor.
The other day, I noticed something peculiar at my grocery store. It was a giant green fruit that looked equal parts avocado and dinosaur egg. I was intrigued by the label which read: “SlimCado – half the fat and a third less calories than avocados!”
For people counting calories or concerned with fat, could this be a dream come true? Truth be told, the fat in avocados is good fat – but even so, I’m certain that the fruit’s savvy marketing will resonate with some shoppers. So I decided to purchase a SlimCado to see how it stacks up.
SlimCados are actually a West Indian variety of avocados that are often grown in Florida. Weighing in at up to two pounds, the large fruit has a glossy green skin and looks quite similar to the more traditional Hass varieties (albeit much larger). Despite having 50% less fat and 35% fewer calories than the avocados we know and love, SlimCados aren’t skimpy on other nutritional content; they are a great source of vitamin E, fiber, B-vitamins, potassium, zinc, and monounsaturated fat.
Unfortunately, my praise of the SlimCado must end there. Beyond nutritional content, taste is an important consideration – and that’s exactly where the SlimCado falls short. Instead of being delicious and flavorful, the SlimCado’s flesh tastes watered-down. Not only does it have half the fat, it has half the flavor.
Having said that, the SlimCado may work for recipes wherein avocado isn’t a primary ingredient. Some people enjoy avocados in their smoothies, for example, and the SlimCado may be well-suited for the task. But when it comes to mixing up some guacamole, you’ll definitely notice the difference.
If the fat or calories are important to you, then you’re better off using half a serving of Hass avocado than a full serving of the SlimCado.
Have you ever tried a Slimcado? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
About Davey Wavey
lol @ “Not only does it have half the fat, it has half the flavor.”
not everything is perfect, isnt it?
I couldn’t agree more! I too just purchased one out of curiosity and was very disappointed. I found the fruit to be like you said, watery and it was also sweet! I didn’t think it was terrible it just doesn’t taste like the avocado I know and love! It tasted like a “diet avacodo”…lol, and I liked it about as much as I like other diet foods
I am sure it is all what you are accustomed to, but for me…I am sticking to the original, no more Slimcado’s for me.
after reading this-better to pass on the slim one.
I grew up in the islands… and as a child the “Slimcado” was always something we grew up knowing and loving. When I moved to Florida I really missed it and hate the other little avocado with the coarse skin that was sold here… I often had to go back home to get “Slimcado” so i am sooo thrilled to have the familiar fruit so widely available now and its even better to know that it has half the bad stuff of the other kind…woo hoo!!!
Yes I agree with you — almost — really I like both. Each for a different thing/ I would not make guacamole out of a slimcado — but they are good to just eat with a spoon out of the skin. Just like people, we all have our purpose.
Thanks for the article! Chuckled when I saw this kind of avocado being touted as a “SlimCado,” ’cause to Puerto Ricans like myself & others from the Caribbean, this is the kind of avocado we grew up with. In fact, I MUCH prefer these to the Hass avocados, which aren’t even “real” “aguacates” to me. (In fact, I don’t think I had ever even seen/noticed Hass avocados till relatively late in life; to this day, they always feel inferior & overpriced compared to what I grew up with.)
Once i bought a bunch of this cause the hass were out of season and extremely expensive and these were really cheap (less a dollar the kilo), so took a kilo and made a whole bunch of guacamole the way i always liked it, the first chip to touch my mouth felt really repulsive, out of taste, extremely watered and with a sweet flavor that made me fell nauseous and really didnt liked it, to the point of nevr ever considere it on future shoppings (in that moment understood the price). Ill definetly stick with hass for the creamy salty and buttery flavor. The fact that is a fatty fruit doesnt make it bad, actually is the only fatty food recomended for persons with coronary desease of cardiac illnesses because the oil helps clean arteries and veins, and since its never cooked in any recipe and should never, it keeps the nutrients and healthy spects of this food. FOREVER HASS MY FRIENDS!!!
Hi Davey! Please share your guacamole recipe
I completely disagree that the tastes is watered down. Wasn’t much of an avocado eater except for the occasional guacamole but these have actually gotten me hooked on this “good fat” both from this variety and the so called traditional Hass. Would and have recommended to many friends.
Just treat them differently. I do put a little slice of Hass avacado into my breakfast smoothie, trying to incorporate all the “super foods” I can into it. But have used the Slimcado in sandwiches with great results. Some oat bread with a slice of good cheese and a thick slice of Slimcado grilled is so delicious. I’m a fan!
I tried one today for the first time. Definitely different, and needed some salt…but I have to say, I would buy it again, but use it in my roll-ups (turkey slices and Slimcado rolled up). Will try it with guacamole and see how that goes. While the Hass are in season, I will still buy those. Any avocado is good for you, any way you slice it!
Yea slimcoatos suck
Like Louis, these are the avocados I grew up with because my family is from the Caribbean. I don’t even think I had a Haas avocado until college. My parents used to call the pears. I prefer Haas for guacamole, but I love the “slimcado” either sliced in a sandwich, sliced on its own w/ a sprinkle of salt, or my favorite… Cucumber salad. It’s just peeled thinly sliced cucumber, lime juice, salt, scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, and large cubes of avocado. They maintain their firmness well. I just think the name slimcado is ridiculous. I think it gives people the wrong impression.
I agree with your comments about the Slimcado. Hass is more flavorable and easier to prepare. Would love to get some bud/grafting wood for my 30+ Hass seedlings.
I made slimcado guacamole last night and it was so disgusting. The blandness could not be conquered no matter how much cilantro, lime, salt, pepper, & cumin I added. Nothing could fix it. The smell and taste were so hideous …the closest I can come to describing its smell is really dirty dish water. And it tastes even worse than it smells. Save yourselves!
It doesn’t really taste like an avocado (which I only like in guac or on sandwiches); it’s sweet, which was unexpected for an avocado. Def. different; ok on sandwiches.
I tried one today and was a bit disappointed. I will not be buying them again. I love Avocados just like to salt them and eat away. The SlimCado is not replacement thats a fact!
I also tried Slimcado because of the “1/2 the fat, 1/3 the calories” claim. I am a Weight Watchers subscriber and, had I run the numbers, I would have passed because the Slimcado is actually slightly higher in point value than the avacado. I was able to modify my dip recipe, however, to add more lemon juice, spices and a dash of Louisiana Hot Sauce, and it turned out great. I wouldn’t recommend it plain, but in a recipe, spice it up, and it will suffice.
I like them! They don’t have the taste of the avocado,but then, they aren’t an avocado. to me they taste like a cross of a papaya and an avocado. The slight taste of both fruits and the texture of the papaya. It is different and not for every one. I like them!
In Trinidad this is just a regular avocado. It went with almost every dish. Cut the long way lightly salted, it countered the heat of the pepper sauce. Its a slightly different flavor that the Hass Avocado. Both have their place on the table.
I happen to love the “Slimcado”! I don’t feel the need to compare it to the Haas at all. They are just different. I suggest giving it another try without trying to compare them.