More Than Just Our Beloved Guacamole

It's no surprise that 1 in 3 avocados consumed worldwide comes from Mexico. Also known as Mexico's "green gold," this fruit has become a sweetheart of the global culinary scene and is used in more than just our traditional and beloved guacamole. It's popularity is such that, according to forecasts, avocados will be the most internationally traded tropical fruit by 2030.

This was revealed in the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2021–2030 report.

It's likely that there's no other fruit on earth as noble as the avocado. Its nutritional properties, its versatility as an ingredient in all kinds of foods and drinks, as well as its adoption across various cultures, have led to a boom in its inclusion in current culinary trends, where innovation acts as a calling card for food companies faced with more open and flexible diners looking for alternatives suited to their lifestyle. This is especially true post-pandemic and as we return to normality.

That's why it's the perfect time to go over three key facts about global 'avocadomania,' beyond its use in classic snacks or the always delicious guacamole:

1. Nobility and the taste of avocado pulp

Currently, Mexico is the leading producer of avocados worldwide, making up 32% of global production, according to data from the sector. This has positioned the fruit as one of the food industry's most important superfoods — the name given to natural foods with a high level of nutrients.

Its global expansion, or conquest, is largely due to its nobility and its taste. In Mexico, it's usually eaten cold in popular savory and/or spicy dishes such as guacamole, salsas or pico de gallo. However, since it's a fruit, its edible, creamy pulp is palatable and, in reality, its flavor is neutral, meaning there's a whole world of possibilities for preparing it.

2. The health factor

Avocados are a primary source of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol or good fats, which promote heart health. They also contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, all of which are nutrients that are beneficial for protecting the cardiovascular system. The avocado helps with proper coagulation and protects the cells in our body in general. For example, an avocado has 60% more potassium—an electrolyte that the body needs for muscles to function correctly—than a banana.

Therefore, it is a fruit that should be eaten regularly. The recommended daily intake is 50 g of avocado pulp per person — this amounts to a third of an avocado each day, or even half or a whole small avocado.

3. Culinary innovation with avocados

Chefs and food companies alike are harnessing the benefits of the avocado to bring innovation to their menus, and in turn disrupting food habits in each country. The avocado pulp produced by Simplot® for the foodservice industry has a wide range of uses that can be seen in the menus of many kitchens in recent years.

Some examples are the iced Supreme drink and the iced coffee, both made with avocado, sold by Nayuki in China, as well as the avocado-based smoothies and milkshakes sold by the brands Tim Hortons and DQ. Additionally, Starbucks have also gotten in on the action in Japan, launching a wrap (similar to a taco or burrito) with avocado. In mixology, offerings such as milkshakes and margaritas, or an avocado-based sangria drink from Simplot® are becoming increasingly common.

As we've seen, Mexican avocados open doors to culinary innovation adapted to modern times, where both food companies in the foodservice industry, as well as diners and end consumers, are rediscovering the previously lesser-known benefits of avocados. Without a doubt, these three key facts about global 'avocadomania' offer a much broader scope for all kinds of businesses to keep transforming their menus and adding new, innovative options. If you want to know more about these and other key facts, and discover some avocado pulp recipes, follow us at Simplot México.