The Avocado

The avocado is a pear-shaped fruit which is popular in the world as well as in Sri Lanka. The scientific name of Avocado is Persea Americana. It is believed that the fruit originated in Mexico and spread through to other countries like Peru, Argentina, the USA, South Africa, Spain, India, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Malaysia and Australia. Like bananas, avocado fruits are climacteric which means the fruit matures on the tree but ripens after it is plucked and kept away from the tree. The fruit has a large seed inside which can be planted. An avocado sprout usually takes up to five to 10 years to grow and bear fruits. A tree can still produce fruits even after it is 50 years old. Though this is a popular fruit and a juice in Sri Lanka, in many other countries such as Mexico and Spain, people use it in their daily meals. Salads, dips, brownies and cakes are some recipes in which people put avocado as an ingredient. Avocado is a substitute for butter in cake and brownie making.

Avocado is also rich in nutrients. It has over 20 minerals and vitamins including vitamin B, C and E. The fruit is also fibre-rich and contains low amounts of sugar. It helps in reducing cholesterol.

In many households in

Sri Lanka, avocado plants are common. The world’s largest avocado producers are Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Malaysia, Indonesia and Colombia. Leaves of the avocado can be harmful to animals such as goats, cats and dogs.