Hello! Here’s a quiz for everyone. “Milk of the sea” refers to oysters, and “meat of the field” refers to soybeans. So, what does “forest butter” refer to? The answer is… Avocado! Avocados are called “forest butter” because 18% of their flesh is made up of fats, and they have a smooth texture reminiscent of butter. I’ve researched some interesting facts about avocados, and I hope you find them useful.
History of Avocado
Avocado is believed to have originated in southern Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador. It is said that its cultivation began during the ancient Aztec civilization between the 13th and 15th centuries. It was cultivated in Mexico around 500 BC, and pottery shaped like avocado fruits dating back to around 900 AD has been excavated from the Chan Chan archaeological site in Peru. The avocado was introduced to the United States in 1871 and arrived in Japan during the Taisho era, becoming more widespread in the latter half of the Showa era.
Did You Know Avocado is a Fruit?
While avocados are commonly associated with salads, sandwiches, California rolls, and snacks like guacamole, they are actually classified as fruits. Avocados are fruits that grow on trees of the Lauraceae family. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an avocado is defined as “the usually edible reproductive body of a seed plant, especially one having sweet flesh,” and it is classified as a fruit because new varieties can be grown from its seeds.
The Lesser-Known Japanese Avocado
Did you know that 99% of the avocados consumed in Japan are imported? Most of the avocados we see in supermarkets come from Mexico, with a small portion coming from Peru, which is the second-largest producer. While most avocados in stores are imported, domestically produced avocados are slowly gaining popularity. Major production areas in Japan include citrus-growing warm regions like Wakayama, Ehime, Oita, Miyazaki, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima prefectures. However, Sekine Farm in Niigata Prefecture has successfully cultivated avocados indoors since 2015 and sells them as “Snow Country Avocados.”
Avocados, a fruit with great potential, are now being cultivated in Japan. They are rich in potassium, folic acid, magnesium, and vitamin E, which have antioxidant properties. These nutrients can help prevent high blood pressure and have anti-aging and skin beautifying effects. Enjoy avocados with Japanese condiments like soy sauce, ponzu, and yuzu pepper to stay young, beautiful, and healthy!
References (Japanese only, as of September 6, 2023):
