Avocado plantations have carved out a niche for themselves in the Canary Islands among the banana plantations, sugar cane plantations and vineyards, with La Gomera being one of the places where most avocado is grown.
The avocado, originally from Mexico, arrived in Europe after discovering the Americas, although it was not until much later that it became an essential item in the shopping basket. It did not appear in the Canary Islands until the 18th century.
In terms of cultivation, there are different varieties of avocados in the Canary Islands:
- Fuerte avocado. It is characterised by a rough skin that separates easily from the flesh.
- Hass avocado. It has a thick, rough skin and also peels easily. When ripe, it changes colour from the usual green to dark green and has creamy, fibreless flesh.
- Bacon avocado. It has dark green skin speckled with small whitish dots. Its mild flavour and creamy texture make it ideal for guacamole.
- Pinkerton avocado. This variety of avocado has a thick, very dark green skin and creamy flesh.
- Reed avocado. This type of avocado is large, round and has a rough, dark green, slightly thick skin and a mild aroma. Its most distinctive feature is its buttery flesh, the stone is small and easy to remove. When ripe, the skin remains green.
Avocado irrigation in the Canary Islands is one of the aspects to consider for its cultivation. The roots of the plant absorb water and nutrients very quickly because they are almost at the surface. Therefore, they are not suitable for humid climates due to their vulnerability to fungi.
Benefits of avocado
It is common knowledge that avocados are considered a superfood, the consumption of which many health benefits:
- Lowers cholesterol levels.
- It regulates blood sugar and helps prevent insulin resistance.
- It is good for arthritis because it helps to reduce inflammation in joints.
- Improves digestion.
- Nourishes skin, nails and hair due to its high content of vitamins C and E.
- Contributes to lowering blood pressure as it is rich in potassium.
- Reduces the risk of eye problems.
At Hotel Jardín Tecina we grow our own avocados along with other 100% organic products at the Eco Finca Tecina. A farm where everything is sustainable to provide our customers with the best of our land in the most natural way. Would you like to come and try them?