Avocado

Avocado

　　Avocado

　　It is an evergreen tree of the genus Persea in the Lauraceae family. Also known as avocado or alligator pear. The genus includes about 50 species, but only the avocado is cultivated as a fruit tree. It is native to Central America. Varieties are mainly divided into three systems: Mexican, Guatemalan, and West Indian. In China, it is currently cultivated in small quantities only in Guangdong, Fujian, Taiwan, and Yunnan. The tree grows to about 10 meters tall with a broad canopy. Its leaves are alternate, and it has terminal paniculate inflorescences with light green flowers. The drupe is pear-shaped or oval, with soft flesh. The seed is round or oblong. Propagation is mostly by seed, but budding or layering methods can also be used. The ripe flesh is orange-yellow in color, buttery in texture, high in fat content, easily digestible, and has a unique flavor. It is often consumed with sugar or soy sauce.　

　　At an expert evaluation meeting organized by the Food Science and Technology Society of China, Mr. Tang Dakai, head of the Daka Agricultural Science Base Development Center in Ruili City, Yunnan, presented a rare fruit and a beverage processed from it to the experts. This fruit, whose flesh is creamy in color, smooth and rich in texture, and high in protein and fat content, piqued the interest of authoritative figures in the fruit and vegetable processing and beverage industries present.

　　This fruit, commonly known as “cream fruit” or “alligator pear,” has the scientific name Persea americana, also called avocado. It originated in England, was introduced to Myanmar in the early 20th century, and has been cultivated there ever since. Global production is only slightly over 30,000 tons, with Myanmar producing more than 20,000 tons. After more than three years of follow-up investigation, Mr. Tang discovered that it has a unique texture and color, excellent processing properties, and rich nutrition, making it a valuable food ingredient. Moreover, it is low-cost, and developing it further into a unique market beverage or other food product holds promising prospects. Therefore, Mr. Tang raised 20 million yuan to build a juice processing plant in Ruili, Yunnan (near Myanmar). At the same time, taking advantage of the similarity between Ruili’s environment, climate, and soil conditions and those of Myanmar, he plans to select 2,000 acres of sloping land in Ruili to cultivate avocado trees as a raw material base. Before the trees mature and bear fruit, raw materials will be sourced from Myanmar for processing.