OUR FRUITS | AVOCADO

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ORIGIN & PRODUCTION

The fruit of the avocado tree, the avocado is a member of the Lauraceae family, which originated in Mexico.

Avocados are mainly grown in Mexico, which accounts for 30% of world production.
Mexico is the biggest exporter and consumer.

Also grown in Latin America, more precisely in Peru and Chile, avocados were for a long time regarded as the "poor man’s butter" in America, and have taken some time to be incorporated into French cuisine. Imported to Europe by the Spanish in the 17th century, they were for a long time considered to be a luxury product.

The avocados that we find in markets today usually come from Israel, Spain, or Africa.

VARIETY AT TOTAL PRODUCE INDIGO

There are about a dozen varieties of avocado, but TOTAL PRODUCE INDIGO imports the most commonly consumed varieties in France, namely the Hass and the Fuerte, which are available almost all year round.

DESCRIPTION & APPEARANCE

Avocados are a fleshy fruit with a large stone. The size of the avocado is in proportion to the size of the stone, which in biological terms is the seed. They weigh between 150 and 250 grams. There are also larger varieties such as the tropical avocado.

Greenish in colour, with different shades depending on the variety, the Fuerte is pear-shaped with a thin green skin. Its flesh is green and soft; the Hass on the other hand, which is widely consumed in France, is green-brown to black in colour and has a thick, rough, granular skin. Its flesh is quite firm and has a light yellowy colour.

Avocados are a climacteric fruit but with a special characteristic: they ripen in association with the production of a gas called ethylene.

However, they can stay on the tree for several months before reaching their full weight.

NUTRITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
& PREPARATION

Of all the fruits and vegetables, avocados have the highest calorific value. They are high in fat (13.8 g per 100 g) and contain about 155 calories, while the average for fruit and vegetables is around 45 calories.

Avocado flesh also contains fibre: 4% for 100 grams. Furthermore, they are packed with nutrients, offering high-quality protein with all the essential amino acids. They are widely appreciated, particularly by athletes. Finally, avocados are rich in vitamin B9 (folic acid). 100 grams provides almost 40% of the recommended daily allowance.

In short, avocados are a delicious, healthy choice, and are available all year round.