41 Facts About Avocados Every Foodie Should Know

Avocados have a beloved place in the heart of food lovers around the world. From tree to toast, avocados go on quite a journey, providing many benefits along the way. Read on to learn the most recent facts about avocados, or jump to a specific section to discover more:

• Consumption Facts
• Health Facts
• Botanical Facts

Avocado Consumption Facts

1. Other names for avocados include butter fruit and alligator pears.
2. California is the nation’s leading avocado grower, producing over 138,000 tons in 2022.
3. In the U.S., avocados are grown on over 51,000 acres.
4. In 2022, the U.S. imported over $3.2 billion worth of fresh avocados and $582 million worth of prepared or preserved avocados.
5. The U.S. exported about $31 million in fresh avocados.
6. Almost half of the world’s avocado exports come from Mexico — valued at about $3.5 billion.
7. Other countries growing avocados include Chile, Peru, Colombia, Indonesia, Kenya, Haiti, Vietnam, Brazil, Israel, the Dominican Republic, and Ethiopia.
8. The average price of an avocado in 2022 was $1.67, a 13% increase from $1.48 the previous year.
9. In 2022, 38% of consumers purchased fresh avocados.
10. Consumers earning $50,000–$100,000 were most likely to purchase avocados, with 44% of the age group reporting purchases.
11. Kids appear to have an influence on avocado purchase behavior, with 41% of households with no children purchasing avocados, versus only 34% of households with children.
12. Consumers in the western U.S. were more likely to report purchasing avocados compared any other region.
13. Consumers ages 50–59 were the highest percentage of avocado purchasers (46%), followed by consumers ages 60 and up (41%).
14. Avocados are a water-intensive crop, requiring about 70 liters of water to grow a single avocado. That’s 14 times the amount required for a tomato.

Avocado Health Facts

1. A recent 2023 study found that consuming avocado more than once a week was associated with a decreased risk of certain cancers, including bladder, lung, and colorectal.
2. The average 7-ounce avocado contains 322 calories, 30 grams of fat, 4 grams of protein, and 17 grams of carbs.
3. Avocados are an excellent source of B vitamins, with a 7-ounce avocado containing 20% DV of B2, 22% DV of B3, 56% DV of B5, and 30% DV of B6.
4. Avocados are rich in fiber, with a 7-ounce avocado containing 14 grams.
5. The high fiber content in avocados may help relieve constipation naturally.
6. One serving of avocado packs more potassium than a serving of banana (487 mg vs 422 mg).
7. Avocados could contribute to gut health. One study of 163 adults found that daily avocado consumption for 12 weeks increased gut bacteria diversity compared to a control group.
8. Avocados are packed with antioxidant compounds including carotenoids, Vitamin C, Vitamin E.
9. Avocados may be beneficial for eye health due to their high levels of two types of carotenoids: lutein and zeaxanthin. Studies have shown these to decrease risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
10. Avocados are high in folate, which is especially important during pregnancy. One avocado contains 27% of the DV of folate during pregnancy.
11. Many studies found that the healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins and minerals in avocado contribute to heart health — however, these studies were founded by the Hass Avocado Board, and may be skewed.
12. Avocados may help prevent and control type 2 diabetes due to their monounsaturated fat content, high fiber, low carbohydrates, and low glycemic index.
13. Avocados are rich in Vitamin K, which is essential for healthy bones.

Avocado Botanical Facts

1. Avocados are technically classified as a berry.
2. Avocados belong to the Lauraceae family, which also includes cinnamon and bay leaves.
3. There are over 500 species of avocados.
4. It can take anywhere from 5–13 years (or more!) after planting a seed for an avocado tree to produce fruit.
5. While imported avocados are available year-round, peak season for California-grown avocados runs from spring to early fall.
6. Mature avocado trees may reach a height of 15–35 feet.
7. Avocados originated in Mexico and Central America.
8. They were first planted in America in 1833 in Florida.
9. Irresponsible avocado growing practices in Michoacán lead to deforestation, with about 36,000 acres lost annually.
10. The avocado-related deforestation has endangered the habitats of the native Monarch butterfly populations.
11. Avocado trees require rich soil and warm sunny days with cooler nights — making California an ideal climate for growing.
12. California grows eight avocado varieties commercially, but Hass is by far the most popular, accounting for 95% of production.
13. A Hass avocado tree typically produces 150 avocados, or 60 pounds of fruit, each harvest.
14. Avocado trees can produce up to one million flowers, with only 1 in 10,000 buds turning into an avocado fruit.

Now that you know all these facts about avocados, why not try using them in a recipe? I suggest layering slices on top of these veggie-packed nourish bowls, or garnishing a taco salad. Happy cooking!

Sources: Avocado Global Market Report 2023 | National Library of Medicine (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) | Statista | USDA | Fresh Trends 2023 Survey | Danwatch | Agricultural Marketing Research Center | University of Florida | UCCE Master Gardeners of Orange County | Harvard School of Public Health | JAMA | ScienceDirect (1, 2)