Avocados have the highest calories of any fruit at 167 calories per hundred grams.
The first written record in English of the use of the word 'avocado' was by Hans Sloane in a 1696 index of Jamaican plants. source
The first written record in English of the use of the word 'avocado' was by Hans Sloane in a 1696 index of Jamaican plants.
The word "avocado" comes from the Spanish aguacate, which in turn comes from the Nahuatl word āhuacatl [aːˈwakat͡ɬ] which goes back to the proto-Aztecan *pa:wa which also meant "avocado".
In the United Kingdom, the term "avocado pear" is still sometimes misused as applied when avocados first became commonly available in the 1960s. source
In the United Kingdom, the term "avocado pear" is still sometimes misused as applied when avocados first became commonly available in the 1960s.
Avocado tree grows to 20 m (66 ft), with alternately arranged leaves 12–25 cm (4.7–9.8 in) long.
The avocado tree does not tolerate freezing temperatures, and can be grown only in subtropical or tropical climates. Several cold-hardy varieties are planted in the region of Gainesville, Florida, which survive temperatures as low as −6.5 °C (20 °F) with
Like the banana, the avocado is a climacteric fruit, which matures on the tree, but ripens off the tree.
About 59,000 acres (240 km2) – some 95% of United States avocado production – is located in Southern California, with 60% in San Diego County. source
About 59,000 acres (240 km2) – some 95% of United States avocado production – is located in Southern California, with 60% in San Diego County.
Peru is the largest supplier of avocados imported to the European Union and, more recently, has begun to export avocados in significant quantities to North America.
Avocado leaves, bark, skin, or pit are documented to be harmful to animals; cats, dogs, cattle, goats, rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, birds, fish, and horses.
The avocado (Persea americana) is a tree that is native to South Central Mexico,classified as a member of the flowering plant family Lauraceae. source
The avocado (Persea americana) is a tree that is native to South Central Mexico,classified as a member of the flowering plant family Lauraceae.
The avocado tree also has a long history of cultivation in Central and South America, likely beginning as early as 5,000 BC. source
The avocado tree also has a long history of cultivation in Central and South America, likely beginning as early as 5,000 BC.
A water jar shaped like an avocado, dating to AD 900, was discovered in the pre-Incan city of Chan Chan. source
A water jar shaped like an avocado, dating to AD 900, was discovered in the pre-Incan city of Chan Chan.
In the United Kingdom, the term "avocado pear" is still sometimes misused as applied when avocados first became commonly available in the 1960s source
In the United Kingdom, the term "avocado pear" is still sometimes misused as applied when avocados first became commonly available in the 1960s
Avocados used in commerce are picked hard and green and kept in coolers at 3.3 to 5.6 °C (37.9 to 42.1 °F) until they reach their final destination. source
Avocados used in commerce are picked hard and green and kept in coolers at 3.3 to 5.6 °C (37.9 to 42.1 °F) until they reach their final destination.
Avocados must be mature to ripen properly. source
Avocados must be mature to ripen properly.
Avocados that fall off the tree ripen on the ground. source
Avocados that fall off the tree ripen on the ground.
The avocado is unusual in that the timing of the male and female flower phases differs among cultivars. source
The avocado is unusual in that the timing of the male and female flower phases differs among cultivars.
Avocados can be propagated by seed, taking roughly four to six years to bear fruit. source
Avocados can be propagated by seed, taking roughly four to six years to bear fruit.
Indoors, an avocado tree is usually grown from the pit of an avocado fruit. source
Indoors, an avocado tree is usually grown from the pit of an avocado fruit.
Avocado trees are vulnerable to bacterial, viral, fungal, and nutritional diseases (excesses and deficiencies of key minerals). source
Avocado trees are vulnerable to bacterial, viral, fungal, and nutritional diseases (excesses and deficiencies of key minerals).
Mexico is by far the world's largest avocado growing country, producing several times more than the second largest producer. source
Mexico is by far the world's largest avocado growing country, producing several times more than the second largest producer.
In 2013, the total area dedicated to avocado production was 168,155 hectares (415,520 acres), and the harvest was 1.47 million tonnes. source
In 2013, the total area dedicated to avocado production was 168,155 hectares (415,520 acres), and the harvest was 1.47 million tonnes.
The avocado was introduced from Mexico to California in the 19th century, and has become a successful cash crop. source
The avocado was introduced from Mexico to California in the 19th century, and has become a successful cash crop.
Hass avocado production in Peru encompasses thousands of hectares in central and western Peru. source
Hass avocado production in Peru encompasses thousands of hectares in central and western Peru.
Avocado is the official fruit of the State of California. source
Avocado is the official fruit of the State of California.
In 2013, world production of avocados was 4.7 million tonnes, with Mexico alone accounting for 32% (1.47 million tonnes) of the total (table). source
In 2013, world production of avocados was 4.7 million tonnes, with Mexico alone accounting for 32% (1.47 million tonnes) of the total (table).
After the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) went into effect in 1994, Mexico tried exporting avocados to the US. source
After the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) went into effect in 1994, Mexico tried exporting avocados to the US.
In 2009, Peru joined Chile and Mexico as an exporter of avocados to the US. source
In 2009, Peru joined Chile and Mexico as an exporter of avocados to the US.