Origin Of Avocado
Origin Of Avocados: Avocados are a beloved fruit of everyone. And we all love to enjoy Avocados every day, either in the form of sandwiches, smoothies, toast, or just raw slices. We think that Avocado is a recent invention and only modern people have it. But in reality, Avocados have thousands of years of history. The only difference is they were called by different names then.
Where did Avocado originate then? And which country grows most of Avocados? Don’t worry, today we will discuss all this information about Avocados here. So, are you ready to learn about the fascinating history and origin of Avocado? Let’s dive deep into it.
Origins in Ancient Mexico
Beloved worldwide as a delicious and nutritionally rich fruit, Avocado has a history that dates back thousands of years. South-Central Mexico is said to be the origin of Avocado fruits, first cultivated between 7,000 and 5,000 B.C. However many experts say that other wild varieties of Avocados were found well before this. As per a study done by archaeologists in Peru, a variety of Avocado seeds were found buried along Mummies in 750 B.C.
An Old Avocado tree – Atlixco, 1918. Credit – Wikimedia Commons
The place called “Puebla” in South Central Mexico is the motherland of Avocados as per researchers. Studies also say that a local tribe called Mesoamerican started the cultivation of Avocados 5000 years before. Hence cultivation of Avocados is considered as old as the invention of wheels. The indigenous people (Aztec civilization) inhabited in Central-Mexico, held the fruit in high regard.
Aztec civilization people were well aware of the nutritional values of Avocado. They recognized its richness in healthy fats contents, proteins, and Vitamins. They referred to the Avocado fruit as “Ahuacatl” then. Also, they were well-versed in cultivating the Ahuacatl fruit.
Origin Of Avocado From The Name Ahuacatl
Aztec people named Avocado as Ahuacatl in 500 BC. But, what is the meaning of Ahuacatl? It translates to the meaning “testicle.” If you see the avocado tree, most of the time avocados are found hanging in pairs. And may be because of the shape of an avocado, and the reason they were found in pairs, Aztecs called them Ahuacatl.
Credit – Wikimedia Commons
Also, because of its nutritional values, Aztec believed the fruit to be “aphrodisiac.” Any food/product that helps in increasing the sex drive/fertility/pleasure/performance is called aphrodisiac. Even now, avocado fruit is suggested as a good fruit for fertility issues.
When Spanish people started conquering the Mesoamericans, they slowly started adapting their culture. Then the name Ahuacatl slowly became “aguacate” in Spanish. As the people started using the word, slowly aguacate became avogato. And then it became Avocado. Beyond practical value as a source of nutrition, the Aztecs considered it a sacred gift from their gods with mystical properties.
Spread by Traders Yet Growing in Popularity
When Spanish conquerors colonized parts of Mexico and Central America beginning in the early 1500s, they transported avocados back to Europe. This helped disseminate the fruit throughout the Old World. While records from the time provide some of the earliest written mentions of the “ahuácatl,” cultivation increased as it was introduced to new territories by traders, colonists, and sailors. By the 1800s, commercial growth was underway in the Caribbean and Florida.
Ongoing Cultivation and Global Adoration
In the present day, Mexico remains among the top avocado-producing nations worldwide. However, other powerhouse locales have emerged, like Israel, Chile, Australia, and various African nations. The United States currently imports more avocados than any other country, thanks in large part to increased consumption. What began as a sacred fruit to the Aztecs is now a beloved food with massive markets internationally.
Early Records and Spread
The earliest known written records of the avocado come from botanical illustrations and Spanish dictionaries from the 1500s, when interactions between indigenous peoples and Spanish colonizers were increasing. As Spain colonized vast areas of Mexico and regions further south in Central and South America beginning in the 16th century, avocados were introduced to Europe through trade routes. While adoption was initially limited, cultivation expanded over the following centuries.
By the 1800s, commercial avocado farming was underway in territories like the Caribbean and Florida. Conditions permitted orchards to emerge as well in the emerging state of California during this period, helping distribute the fruit more widely.
California’s Role in Popularizing Avocados
The climate and conditions and much of the state of California proved ideal for significant avocado cultivation, which began in the 1870s. As orchards expanded, advocacy organizations emerged to promote the myriad uses and health benefits of avocados. They helped establish the fruit as a popular food item amongst the American public.
This coincided with California experiencing tremendous population growth in the postwar early-to-mid 20th century as the economic powerhouse of the United States. Other producing regions could not meet soaring demand. With increased prosperity and more health-conscious attitudes, Californian avocados rose to immense popularity on the national market. The booming conditions cemented the state’s pivotal role in popularizing the fruit far beyond niche specialty items to mainstream delicacy.
Evolution of Global Avocado Production and Trade
An old picture displaying Avocado Trading – Credit – Wikimedia Commons
As popularity increased worldwide through the 20th century, avocado production expanded globally. Countries with suitable climates, like Israel, South Africa, Chile, Australia, and various others in Central and South America, emerged as important commercial producers to meet the growing international demand. Mexico, home to the avocado’s origin, has continued to be the largest producer globally as well as the top exporter. The United States, helped by its proximity to influential growers like Mexico and adoption as a popular ingredient in American cuisine, is currently the leading importer of avocados internationally.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while avocados were first domesticated thousands of years ago in Central Mexico and considered sacred by indigenous peoples like the Aztecs, international cultivation and markets have ballooned greatly since their initial introduction by Spanish explorers. What began as a small-scale regional crop is now a globally beloved and nutritious fruit. Its rise in popularity can be traced from increased production in California to its establishment as a critical international agricultural commodity. Today, avocados remain an integral part of diets worldwide thanks to their health benefits and versatility.
FAQs On Avocado Origin
Where does Avocados originally come from?
Avocados are the origins of Central-Mexico, between 7,000 and 5,000 B.C.
Are Avocados native to India?
No, Avocados are not native crop of India, they are introduced in India in early 20th century. Also, Avocados are not considered as commercial crop in India. Few states that grows more Avocados in India are Kerala, Tamilnadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Sikkim.
Who is the top producer of Avocado?
Mexico is the top producer of Avocado, with 2.5 Million tons of Avocados grown in 2022.
Why Avocados are not grown more in India?
Growing avocado requires specific climatic conditions like rain fall, humidity, temperature between 20-26 degree Celsius etc. There fore the Avocados are bets grown in the regions that fulfils all these climatic conditions.
Who is the largest consumer of Avocados?
United States of America is the largest consumer of Avocados, with consumption of 79% of the total Avocados exported from Mexico every year.
