Avocados: Fruit of the Mayan Gods

The Mayans occupied Guatemala and the Yucatan Peninsula in early prehistoric times. Avocados were a part of Maya agriculture. In fact the early Mayans were quite successful at cultivating and harvesting fruit from the avocado trees.   Avocado was one of their favorite foods. Yum Caax considered by some to be the Mayan God of Agriculture, most likely ate avocados.

Avocado is an English derivation from the Spanish word "agaucate".  However, many of the original names given the various types of avocados were taken from the Mayan languages. Walk through a Guatemalan public market and chances are that you will see  a number of varieties of avocados.

Walk pass the colorful vegetables to the avocados © Spaswinefood

Now I see one, two, three -- oh! maybe four varieties here © Spaswinefood

Three varieties here © Spaswinefood

Avocados have three distinct horticultural races Mexican, Guatemalan and West Indian. According to Will's Avocados the Guatemalan varieties includes: Hass, Pinkerton, Reed and Gwen. Tom Spellman gives an account of the Guatemalan varities grown in California. He lists the following avocados as having Guatemalan parentage: Anaheim, Fuerte, Gwen, Hass, Lamb Hass, Nabal, Pinkerton, Reed and  Wurtz (aka Little Caldo). A California rare fruit growers article also provides an overview of avocado varieties.

Hass, a Guatemalan variety is commonly seen in most supermarkets. They are not commonly found however, in the public markets that I have visited in Guatemala. This could be due to the high demand for export.

Hass avocados © Spaswinefood

Antigua is one the towns in the Guatemalan Highlands that has had a long history of growing avocados. Legend has it that when people picked the avocados their clothing got stained green. Today one of the best known hotels in Antigua is called Meson Panza Verde. Meson Panza Verde means "the house of the green stomach".

Meson Panza Verde © Spaswinefood

Meson Panza Verde © Spaswinefood

Around Antigua you will see a number of avocado trees.

Avocado tree © Spaswinefood

This is a very tall avocado tree © Spaswinefood

Recently our friend, Roberto, brought us two avocados from the above tree.

The avocados were oval, over 10cm (4in.) diameter and weight over 500g. (1 lb.) © Spaswinefood

Avocado beside a Hass avocado © Spaswinefood

 Roberto asked that I wrap the avocados in newspaper for 3 days to ripen.

Just to be sure, I wrapped  them in newspaper and put  them in a brown paper bag. I also waited 4 days and then I cut open the first avocado.

One Avocado on a 12" dinner plate © Spaswinefood

Not only were these avocados huge but they also had an excellent taste. We made avocado sandwiches for lunch. There was a snack in the afternoon and we also made an avocado salad.

Avocado salad © Spaswinefood

Guess what I still had another avocado. These huge avocados sure go a long way.  You will find many recipes that use avocados. Avocados turn up in quite a few dishes, not just as dips but in salads, omeletes and main courses.

Hotel Antigua serves nachos with guacamole and .  .  . © Spaswinefood

Another variation at a Panajachel restaurant © Spaswinefood

Entreé with avocado © Spaswinefood

Now a little background to the introduction of the avocado to United States.  Zamorano University, Honduras (Panamerican School of Agriculture, or EAP in Spanish) known for its leadership in tropical agriculture was founded by Wilson Popenoe.  Popenoe, the founding director of Zamorano is credited with finding plant varieties, such as avocados, that were introduced into U.S. farming. In addition to avocados Popenoe is credited with introducing mangoes, oranges, cacao, palms, vanilla, tobacco, rubber and orchids (March, 2008, Joy Houston, Revue, 17:1 Antigua, Guatemala, pp. 14-16 & 54-55).

The avocado certainly has an interesting history.  Yummy! As Yum Caax might say in Mayan.

Sharon
Antigua, Guatemala
March 2011
© Spaswinefood

Spaswinefood posts on Guatemalan food related topics:

1. Antigua, Guatemala Market (El Mercado)

2. Pan, Mas Pan Por Favor: Wonderful Artisan Bread In La Antigua, Guatemala

3. Dulces, Mas Dulces Por Favor: La Antigua Sweets

4. Guatemalan Coffee Just Maybe The Best Coffee

5. Guatemalan Chocolate, Just Got To Get Some!

6. Best Traditional Guatemalan Restaurants In Antigua