Latest news with #avocados
Associated Press
29-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
California avocado growers say Mexican imports have helped their sales
SOMIS, Calif. (AP) — Andreas Tompros lost his home and at least a third of his avocado orchard to a wildfire last year, but the 47-year-old grower is not worried about his farm making a comeback. While California farmers often rattle off a list of challenges they face including high labor costs, water restrictions and overseas competition, many avocado growers say they have a good thing going. A key reason may come as a surprise to some — Mexican imports. When the United States lifted its ban on Mexican avocados in 1997, California growers worried at first that the imported fruit would displace their production. But the steady flow of avocados has wound up helping, not hurting, their sales by allowing for a year-round supply to markets and restaurants that has fomented demand, farmers say. Before the influx, most American consumers considered avocados to be specialty items — and when they came into season in California, industry officials had to work to rev up widespread interest in order to sell them. But not anymore. Avocado consumption has been booming in the United States over the past two decades. The amount of fruit available per person tripled to more than 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms) between 2000 and 2021, federal statistics show. Avocado toast and guacamole are regular offerings not just in culinary hubs like NYC but at cafes around the Midwest and the South. Avocados are in demand On a steep, sun-soaked hillside northwest of Los Angeles, Tompros is replanting nearly 300 avocado trees with the belief that Americans' hunger for the fruit — and his orchard — will continue to grow. 'It will come back, and I believe it will become better than it was,' Tompros, who previously ran a software company in Hollywood, said of the orchard he took over five years ago in the tiny community of Somis. Avocado demand has also been buoyed by consumers' growing interest in healthy fats, said Emiliano Escobedo, executive director of the Hass Avocado Board. A 2000 U.S. law created the board that collected 2.5 cents for every pound (0.5 kilograms) of avocados imported or produced in the United States. The board used the money to market avocados and conduct nutritional research, an effort that has been widely credited with making the fruit ubiquitous in supermarkets and on restaurant menus. 'It's been really wildly successful. It generates way more money than most of these other industry boards do,' said Richard Sexton, distinguished professor of agricultural and resource economics at the University of California, Davis. 'When you look at the growth rate in avocado consumption relative to all fruits, the difference in growth rate is dramatic.' A successful crop Escobedo said about 60% of U.S. households currently buy avocados, and about half of these are responsible for the overwhelming majority of consumption, which means there's still room for the market to grow — especially in the Northeast, where the fruit is less common. 'There is a lot of opportunity for certain groups of people to increase their purchasing of avocados,' Escobedo said. While the Trump administration has threatened tariffs on a spate of Mexican goods, avocados have so far been spared. California growers said they want Mexican avocados to keep flowing into the country, though they also want robust U.S. inspections of the imports to keep out pests to protect their crop. 'If you are going to farm in California, avocados are about the best deal right now,' said Ken Melban, president of the California Avocado Commission. California farmers grow about 10% of the avocados eaten in the United States, Melban said, and account for nearly all of the country's domestic avocado production. The fruit is largely grown in California from April through September, and Mexican imports arrive year-round to meet nationwide demand, which exceeds what the state's farmers grow, he said. In Southern California's Ventura County, many growers have shifted to avocados since lemon prices were walloped by cheaper imports from Argentina. As recently planted trees start bearing fruit in a few years, the region's avocado production is likely to rise, said Korinne Bell, agricultural commissioner for the county northwest of Los Angeles. A booming market, despite wildfires Avocado trees do not come without risks in a region prone to wildfires. Still, demand for the trees has jumped due to interest from lemon growers — and since the November 2024 fire charred Ventura County avocado orchards, said Rob Brokaw, whose family-owned nursery has supplied avocado trees to California growers for 70 years. 'Right now we are sold out essentially for this year,' Brokaw said. 'And we're mostly sold out for 2026.' Tompros debated whether to plant the more fire-resistant lemon trees or another crop after the fire ripped through Somis, but he decided to replant due to the soaring demand for Super Bowl guacamole and avocado toast. 'It's the super food, and it's still growing in popularity,' Tompros said. He's taking precautions to not plant the trees too close to what will eventually be his rebuilt home, because the dried-out leaves that help nourish the orchard's soil can also fuel blazes. It may take a few years, but Tompros hopes it won't be too long before his newly planted trees bear fruit that he can sell to a local packinghouse or in seasonal gift boxes with citrus and passionfruit that he ships directly to customers.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
California officials seek help from Trump amid threat to avocado crops
GILROY, Calif. - State officials are in the uncomfortable position of asking for help from the Trump administration. This, after a possible infestation in Mexico, is affecting a popular fruit that's exported to this country. With winter in the rearview mirror, California avocados are moving to the forefront on store shelves across the Bay and state. "Avocados are one of the biggest items that we sell here," said Jesus Beltran, a produce manager at the Zanotto's grocery store in the Willow Glen section of San Jose. "Probably 80% of the production we get out through the store." In September 2024, a long-standing agreement between the U.S. and Mexico which allowed American inspectors to check products on the other side of the border, was shelved after violence by alleged cartel members that targeted the inspectors, led then-President Joe Biden to pull back from the agreement. The president of the California Avocado Commission said that decision has led to a problem. "From January of last year until October, there were zero pest detection…then we've had over 150 pest detections since then of the very pests we're concerned about," said Ken Melban. That pest is the seed weevil, which is native to Mexico and considered one of the most damaging bugs in avocado cultivation. "It'll get inside the fruit. It'll live in there, and then it'll decide to come out," said Melban. "Or, worst-case scenario, if that piece of fruit makes it to point-of-sale and a consumer buys it, now you have a consumer opening a piece of fruit that has a weevil in it." The concern is that a possible infestation on one side of the border could spell catastrophe on the other, crippling the avocado supply and souring growers' profits. "If the (seed) weevils (are) coming through, what other kinds of invasive pests are coming through that could be detrimental to Santa Clara County's agriculture?" – Drew Raymond, Interim County Agriculture Commissioner The state's Avocado Commission is appealing to the Trump administration to re-institute American inspectors in Mexico to thwart the perceived threat. "If the weevils (are) coming through, what other kinds of invasive pests are coming through that could be detrimental to Santa Clara County's agriculture," said Drew Raymond, the interim commissioner of the Santa Clara County Department of Agriculture. He said the county deploys dog teams to screen imports for threats. But there's always a risk one bug could sneak through, leading to a problem in the South Bay and beyond. "Obviously, if we can nip it in the bud, if we can find those pests where they're coming from at the very beginning, that would be better than trying to exclude them at our border at our county line." There's no word as yet on whether the Trump administration will put inspectors back in Mexico. Much of it depends on security and if the inspectors can be kept safe. Jesse Gary is a reporter based in the station's South Bay bureau. Follow him on the Instagram platform, @jessegontv and on Facebook, @JesseKTVU.
CBS News
23-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Bay Area nursery owner sees jump in avocado tree sales amid concerns of rising prices
In Northern California, where the soil is rich and the weather is just right, one Bay Area nursery owner says it's time to stop buying avocados and start growing them. "They're super beautiful, they're evergreen, they look really lush," said Gary Gragg, owner of Golden Gate Palms Nursery in Richmond. "And it's probably one of the most perfect foods there is." Gragg, a lifelong avocado enthusiast, has spent the last 35 years growing dozens of trees at his nursery and trying to convince others to do the same. "It's like growing dollar bills on a tree right in your backyard," he said. But for years, most people didn't bite until avocado prices began to skyrocket. "Ever since the tariffs came out," Gragg said, "people have been flying into the store wanting the avocados really badly." According to the USDA, about 90% of all avocados sold in the U.S. are imported. While tariffs on Mexican avocados have been paused for now, imports from countries like Peru and Colombia are already facing fees. Combined with ongoing supply chain issues, avocado prices are looking ripe for a hike and some consumers aren't waiting around. In just the past few weeks, Gragg says his avocado tree sales have jumped 40%. The trees sell for $500 to $800 apiece, but once mature, usually within five to seven years, each one can produce 200 to 300 avocados annually. That's what convinced Kim and Rich Spearsson of Martinez to buy a tree from Gragg before the tariffs could take full effect. Kim runs a daycare from home. Rich is a retired police officer. When they heard prices might rise even further, they decided to act. "We knew that once this thing gets going, it's going to explode," Rich said. "And we'll get tons of avocados. We'll be able to take care of our neighbors, friends, and family and it's going to last a long time."
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The #1 Fruit to Eat for Better Heart Health, According to a Cardiologist
Reviewed by Dietitian Karen Ansel, M.S., RDNAccording to a cardiologist, avocados are the best fruits for heart health. Avocados are rich in heart-healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Research has found they may help lower cholesterol and blood disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. And millions of Americans take cholesterol- and blood pressure-lowering medication to reduce their risk. But what if we told you there were certain foods that were proven to protect against heart disease? Like fruit! Of course, there are loads of choices. So, we asked cardiologist Sarah Alexander, M.D., FACC, to share her favorite fruit for heart health. Her answer? Avocados (yes, they're actually fruits!). Here's why she's such a big fan, plus tasty ways to add more of these heart-healthy fruits to meals, snacks and even desserts. Avocados contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support heart health. One standout, says Alexander, is potassium. 'Potassium helps lower blood pressure by decreasing the effects of sodium,' she says. Think of potassium and sodium like a seesaw, where potassium works to counterbalance the blood pressure-raising effects of sodium. With nearly 500 milligrams of potassium per half-avocado, they boast even more potassium than bananas. That's not all. Avocados are also packed with antioxidants like carotenoids and vitamin E, which help protect blood vessels, lower harmful LDL cholesterol and promote overall vascular health. Avocados are rich in heart-friendly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Research has shown that these fats can help lower LDL cholesterol levels., These fats are so beneficial that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans specifically recommends prioritizing them over saturated fats as much as possible. Several studies confirm a link between avocados and lower LDL and better heart health. For instance, a meta-analysis of seven studies found that avocado eaters had lower total and LDL cholesterol than non-avocado eaters. Additional research links avocado consumption to less heart disease overall. For instance, one study found that people who ate at least two servings of avocado per week were 16% less likely to develop cardiovascular disease and 21% less likely to have coronary heart disease than those who didn't eat avocados. The study also found that replacing just half a serving of butter or margarine with avocado was associated with a 16% to 22% lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Avocados are packed with fiber, a nutrient that most of us don't consume enough of. In fact, half an avocado provides nearly 7 grams of fiber. That's one-quarter of the 28-gram Daily Value! About half of that is cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber. This helpful fiber binds to cholesterol building blocks in the gut and sweeps them out of your body like a broom, naturally lowering cholesterol. If that weren't enough, research has found that fiber also plays a role in reducing blood pressure. Have you ever noticed how margarine tubs are often plastered with heart-healthy logos or claims? The reason is that many of these products contain cholesterol-lowering compounds called plant sterols. Well, so do avocados! In fact, avocados boast more plant sterols than most other fruits. 'Plant sterols can lower cholesterol by preventing absorption of cholesterol, and lower cholesterol can reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease,' says Alexander. They work by acting like shields, helping block cholesterol absorption in the gut. They're so effective that they've been shown to lower LDL cholesterol by roughly 10%. Here are some fresh ideas to enjoy avocados in meals, snacks, drinks or even sweet treats: Try a New Twist on Avocado Toast: Who doesn't love avocado toast? For a new spin on this heart-healthy favorite, try our White Bean & Avocado Toast. Or, for a protein-packed alternative, top it with Jammy Eggs. Transform Them into Dips: Guacamole is one of Alexander's favorites. Plus, it's one of the easiest dips to prepare. Chipotle fans will love our Almost Chipotle's Guacamole. Craving something different? Whip up our ultra-creamy Avocado-Yogurt Dip and enjoy it with sliced fresh veggies for dunking. Swap Them in for Mayo: Give your chicken or tuna salad a creamy, heart-healthy makeover by swapping in avocado for all or part of your recipe's mayo. It's deliciously creamy in this Avocado Chicken Salad. Or, mash it to use in place of mayo or cheese in sandwiches. Blend Them into Smoothies or Soups: Add fresh or frozen avocado chunks to smoothies or soups for a rich, creamy texture. Need ideas? Try our Really Green Smoothie or this avocado-infused Creamy Cucumber Soup. Try Them in Desserts: Really! Avocados can be whipped into mousses, shakes, puddings or even frosting. Chocolate lovers, don't miss our 'Chocomole' Pudding, or slurp a Chocolate Avocado Shake. Avocados are the No. 1 fruit for heart health, according to a cardiologist. These nutritious fruits are jam-packed with a wealth of heart-healthy nutrients. They're loaded with unsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and plant sterols that support heart health. Thanks to their mild flavor and rich and creamy texture, avocados are delicious in dips, sandwiches, smoothies, soups, shakes and even desserts. So, give your heart the love it deserves and dig into one today! Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Eating one trendy food during pregnancy may slash risk of food allergies, scientists say
When it comes to avocados, millennials may have actually got it right. Eating the bright green fruit during pregnancy could slash the risk of food allergies in babies, scientists have suggested. Finnish researchers, who tracked more than 2,200 mother and baby pairs, found infants had a 44 per cent lower chance of developing allergies aged one, if their mothers had eaten the avocados while pregnant. Experts today, who labelled the findings 'encouraging', said it adds to a growing body of research exploring the link between maternal diet and allergies in infants. But the scientists, from the University of Eastern Finland, said they couldn't be sure exactly why avocados alone reduced the risk. Dr Sari Hantunen, an expert in public health and clinical nutrition at the University of Eastern Finland and studt co-author, said: 'As a care-giver, the growing prevalence of food allergy feels very scary and out of my control. 'There is no cure for food allergy, but promising prevention and therapeutic strategies are in development as well as emerging research such as this. 'Based on these findings, it's encouraging to know that eating avocados may provide even more value to maternal and children's health, beyond the benefits that have already been established through scientific research.' The number of Britons allergic to everyday foods such as cow's milk, eggs, nuts and shellfish has more than doubled in ten years, the latest research shows. And it's particularly an issue for young children. While just 0.5 per cent of over-45s are affected, around eight times as many preschoolers—four per cent—now have a serious allergy. These can cause significant stress to parents, and can even be life-threatening. Symptoms range from itchy skin, rashes and hives to vomiting, facial swelling, wheezing and chronic conditions such as asthma or eczema. And for some, the reactions can lead to anaphylaxis—a serious over-reaction of the immune system in response to an allergen which causes the throat and mouth to swell up, restricting the ability to breathe. In the fresh research, scientists assessed avocado intake of expectant mothers using online food questionnaires in the first and third trimesters, between 2013 and 2022. After adjusting for factors including education, diet quality, smoking and alcohol consumption, food allergies were 'significantly higher' in infants of non-avocado consumers (4.2 per cent) compared to avocado consumers (2.4 per cent). The findings published in the journal Pediatric Research, also showed that mothers who consumed avocados generally were older, less likely to undergo a Cesarean section, more likely to be non-smokers and first time parents. Researchers theorised that it is the antioxidants in the avocado's that may help guard against allergies. They also suggested that the fibre in the avocado's promoted a healthy gut microbiome and led to less allergies in the participants. Although positive results were found for food allergies, the study did not find an impact of avocados on allergic rhinitis—hayfever—and eczema. Experts estimate that 10 Brits die from an allergic reaction to food each year, with 5,000 people hospitalised for severe reactions. Children with allergies are considered to be especially at risk from severe reactions as, due to their smaller body size, small amounts of allergens provoke bigger reactions. Allergies are also often discovered in childhood meaning parents may not have an emergency injection to hand if an allergic reaction occurs. Bereaved families of those who have lost children to allergic reactions have repeatedly called for the Government to appoint an allergy tsar to improve NHS services and awareness of allergies, to prevent avoidable ill health and death.
