When did the avocado species split from other Persea plants?
The Pleistocene epoch saw the species split from other Persea plants around 430,000 years ago. Some estimates place this divergence at 1.3 million years ago.
Questions about Avocado
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Where were the oldest known remains of avocados discovered?
The oldest known remains appeared at Huaca Prieta on the northern coast of Peru. People consumed avocados there as early as 10,500 years ago.
Which country dominates global avocado output and what is its share?
Mexico dominates global output with a share of 29 percent of total harvests. In 2017 the country harvested 2.03 million tonnes from dedicated farmland.
How much water does it take to grow one kilogram of avocado?
The Water Footprint Network states that growing one kilogram of avocado requires approximately 240 liters of fresh water. Avocado water requirements are three times higher than apples.
Who patented the modern Hass avocado tree and when?
Rudolph Hass patented his productive tree in 1935 after raising it as a mail carrier. All modern Hass trees descend from that single mother tree which died in September 2002.