Mexico is known for the large amount of food it has contributed to the world. One of the most popular, of course, is the avocado. Do you know its history and how did it become so popular? Next, we will tell you a bit of it.
Its origin took place in the upper parts of the center and east of the country; due to the shape of its exceptional fruit and its delicious flavor, it was considered a sacred tree. Its name comes from the deformation of the Nahuatl word "ahuacacuáhuitl" which is made up of two terms "ahuacátl" testicle and "cuahuit" tree. With the Spaniard invasion, this fruit began to be described as "Indian pear".
Mexico, the world leader in avocado production
There are about 20 varieties of avocado, and these are classified into three races: Mexican, Antillean, and Guatemalan. The most popular in the international market is the "Hass" variety, which is characterized by having a thick, rough, black skin with a smooth and creamy texture and a slight hazelnut flavor. So is the Méndez selection, with an early ripening process, ready to be harvested in summer.
This variety began to develop in Mexico in the 50s, after the need to have a fruit with better quality, yielding and that could be marketed, but it was not until 1963 that the first commercial orchards were established.
By the 1970s, nine Mexican states produced avocados: Colima, Guanajuato, Jalisco, the State of Mexico, Michoacán, Morelos, Nayarit, Puebla, and Veracruz. Production had an exponential growth, so in the 80s, there was the ability to begin with exports to European lands. By the 90s, the Mexican soil began to contribute with 3 out of every 10 tons of avocados that were consumed in the world.
The fruit that conquered the world
The avocado continues to grow strongly; it has left Mexico and has reached places such as our northern neighbors, the USA and Canada, and different regions of Europe and Asia. But without a doubt, the United States is the primary buyer customer, accounting for 90% of export production.
Much of its popularity is due to the consumption of guacamole or "guacachips" during the football season, one of the most-watched sports in the US territory, where more than 47 million kilos of avocado are consumed in a single weekend.
Thanks to our 30+ years of continuous experience at Agro Gonzámex, we have become the leaders in the production and commercialization of Hass and Méndez avocados in the land of Jalisco. Currently, more than 200 producers trust us and the quality of our plants and fruits.
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