Family: Lauraceae
Common name: Avocado
Avocados are a more recent entry into the India cuisine, but is fast becoming a hot favorite. They are native to South and Central America, bu are now grown in most countries world over.
Tree characteristics
Avocado trees grow to about 20 meters and produce a burst of fruits during July-September. Leaves are lance-shaped, about 15-25 cm long with a dark green upper surface and lighter green lower surface. The leaves have a spicy aroma when crushed due to the essential oils present in them.
Avocado trees flower profusely with small yellowish-green flowers that are 1-1.5 cm in diameter. The male and female reproductive structures of the flowers mature at different times, helping prevent self-pollination, and encouraging pollination with other trees.
The Avocado fruit is a large berry that is pear or egg-shaped with a single large, rounded seed. They mature on the tree, but ripen after they are plucked, usually within 1-2 weeks depending on the variety of fruit and the temperature of storage.
Avocados vary in weight from 100 gm to 1 kg, but the average weight of Indian varieties of 200-300 gm. Trees start bearing fruits about 5 years after planting and could yield up to 500 fruits per season.
Fruits vary from thin-skinned varieties, to thick-skinned and warty-skinned ones. Harvesting has to be done very carefully so that the fruits are mature, and start ripening in 1-2 weeks.
Gardening tips
Like most flowering and fruiting trees, Avocado trees need bright, direct sunlight. Before planting, prepare the bed with organic compost, and well-draining soil mixed with cocopeat for aeration.
Pruning can be done when the trees are small, to help them grow evenly. Fertilization and watering should be done regularly till the tree matures, after which they don’t need regular care and maintenance.
Fertilize once before the flowering season to ensure a good yield. Spraying organic pesticides can prevent infestations.
Uses of Avocado
From guacamole to salads to spreads to smoothies, Indians are now embracing this wonder fruit like never before. Avocados are rich in protein and good fat, low in carbs and a storehouse of essential vitamins and minerals.
In India it’s mostly grown in the South Indian states of Tamilnadu, Kerala and Karnataka, due to the warmer weather.
The most common cultivar grown world-wide is the ‘Hass’, which produces fruits throughout the year. It’s said that all Hass avocado trees originated from a single mother plant in California.
Avocados are mostly eaten raw; or used in salads, dips, milk shakes, spreads, soups etc. Avocado oil is also used in salads and dips due to good mono-saturated fats contained in it. Avocado leaves are also used as flavoring in different cuisines. Leaves and fruits are toxic to some pet animals and birds.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds or grafts from the mother tree.
Photographed at: GKVK, Bangalore
