What is the country of origin of the avocado tree?

The country of origin of the avocado (Persea americana) is Mexico. This fruit tree is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, but it was mainly in Mexico that it was first cultivated and domesticated. The first traces of avocado use date back to around 10,000 BC, when pre-Columbian civilizations such as the Aztecs and Mayans used the avocado tree for its nutritious and medicinal fruits.

The avocado, called ahuacatl in Nahuatl (the language of the Aztecs), was considered a precious food. The Aztecs and Mayans appreciated avocados for their rich taste and creamy texture, and also used the oil extracted from the fruit for its cosmetic and curative properties.

Today, Mexico remains the world’s leading avocado producer, supplying a large proportion of the global supply. The most popular varieties, such as the Hass avocado, originate in Mexico. The Mexican climate, with its moderate temperatures and well-defined rainy seasons, is ideal for growing avocados.

The avocado is an evergreen tree that can reach a height of 20 meters. It produces pear-shaped fruits with rough or smooth skin, depending on the variety. Avocados are rich in vitamins, minerals and monounsaturated fatty acids, making them a highly nutritious food with health benefits.

Mexico is the birthplace of the avocado, cultivated and used for millennia by pre-Columbian civilizations. The country continues to play a central role in the production and export of this popular fruit worldwide.