Avocados originated in Mexico, or Central and South America, and were cultivated there by pre-Incan races of Peru, and the Mayas of Yucatan and Guatemala. The Aztecs called it aoacatl before the Spaniards changed it to ahuacate and aguacate, and it eventually became avocado in English.

Guacamole is an avocado based dip that was originally made by the Aztecs by mashing avocado and adding tomato and salt, and while there are many commercial pre maid types available today, there is nothing to beat freshly made guacamole.

The avocado was introduced into Jamaica in the 1800s, and cultivation in the US started in 1871 with trees from Mexico. Today Mexico is the top producer of avocados, with the US, Brazil, Indonesia and Columbia other large commercial producers.

The health benefits of avocados include ability to reduce LDL cholesterol, promote eye and skin health, and help to reduce high blood pressure.