Is a much beloved avocado a citrus tree? For many avocado lovers around the world, this question sparks both curiosity and confusion. On one hand, avocado lives up to its hearty tropical origin, yet different aspects of its anatomy and lifestyle seem to align better with the citrus family. As it turns out, the answer is a little more complex and open to interpretation, so let’s explore the contradictions and possible connections that might exist between the two.
To begin our search, we need to unpack what exactly constitutes a citrus tree. Generally, citruses such as oranges, lemons, and limes are defined by their acidic fruits and characteristic leaves. Avocado’s outer cover also has a subtle, sharp flavor, and its leaves definitely have a certain look to them, so at first glance, the avocado does seem like it could be a part of the citrus family.
However, that assumption is challenged by another unique feature of citruses—their flowers. Citrus flowers are often quite fragrant, with a classic white-teal hue that sets them apart. For avocados, the flowers typically have no scent, and their color ranges from pale yellow to green.
The differences don’t stop there. Citrus fruits may be acidic and juicy, but they are full of tiny seeds. Avocado, on the other hand, usually has just one large seed that is wrapped in a hard outer shell. Additionally, avocados also have higher levels of fats, proteins, and minerals than citruses, so their nutrition profiles look nothing alike.
Therefore, while there may be some visual similarities between the two types of plants, the conclusion that avocados are a citrus tree is an oversimplification. Yes, avocados can loosely be placed in the same family, because all of them are classified as fruits. However, the real story happens way below the surface, where avocados can be seen as a unique fruit from their own distinctive family.
Other Possible Connections
Despite the citrus contradiction, there are still some other links that can be made between the two types of fruits. For example, both of them generally have glossy, leathery skin and grow in warm, humid climates. Also, both of them are quite popular with people living in warm countries, such as Mexico and Thailand.
Furthermore, the same type of process is used to prepare and enjoy them—neither citrus nor avocadoes are usually served raw, but rather as cooked vegetables. This preference is tradition in both cases, and forms the basis of many beloved dishes.
Trends in Avocado Consumption
In the recent years, avocados have become a popular trend around the world. Big avocado importers and cultivators, such as California, Texas, and Chile, are experiencing a steady increase in production and sales. Mexico, the world’s largest exporter, ships vast amounts of avocadoes to the United States each year.
The sudden crowding of the market with avocado commodities has caused an economic spike that is beneficial to the green-fleshed fruit. Thanks to the international success of the avocado, its cultural influence has continued to grow—at this point, it is practically a universal accessory for breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Nutritional Benefits
In terms of nutrition, avocados have been said to have “superpowers” due to their high concentrations of beneficial nutrients and antioxidants. Not only do they contain significant levels of monounsaturated fats, but they also pack vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, along with a multitude of minerals such as copper, magnesium and iron.
The health benefits of avocados include better protection against cardiovascular diseases, improved metabolism and coordination, weight management and even protection against cancer. On the other hand, citruses are usually just high-water volume foods that provide us with a great deal of vitamin C and fiber.
Unique, Opportunistic Fruit
Avocados, as it turns out, defy traditional classification and provide us with something unique. Even though the closest botanical relatives of this funny fruit are citrus trees, the distinctive features of its outside and inside shape, lifestyle and nutritional content turn it into a one-of-a-kind member of the plant-based world. Avocado is a nutritious, aggressive, opportunistic fruit that has taken over the food market in a matter of years.
Avocado’s Impact on Society
Avocado, from its unique texture to its multiple culinary applications, has become a cultural icon in the food world. Not only is it found in the most beloved dishes, but it is also a fitness staple for athletes and health enthusiasts. This “green gold” is also praised for its ability to please picky eaters, as it is surprisingly light and not too much for even the youngest of children.
Moreover, avocados have positively impacted the food economy by providing different countries with employment opportunities and economic growth. In Mexico, for instance, the avocado industry employs over 20,000 people and brings over 350 million dollars to the national economy.
Avocado’s Possible Future
As popular interest on avocados continues to skyrocket, even more innovative recipes and uses are sure to come. Today, we can find avocadoes in salads, tacos, sandwiches and even in ice cream. A few ambitious cooks have used avocados to make beer and even beverages that resemble “smoothies.”
What’s more, as food producers experiment more and more with the different nutrition possibilities of the avocado, the fruit will probably start playing a much more important role in human health. In fact, some reports claim that avocados may one day become part of pharmaceuticals, or even the foundation of a brand-new food group.
Healthy & Sustainable Future
In the near future, research on the nutritional values of avocados might bring forth a whole new world of diet possibilities. We might learn to enrich our bodies with avocados in even more ways—without draining the precious resources of the Earth. As avocados continue to make their way into more diverse cuisines, we could see them as the starting point of a more healthy, sustainable future.
