The word avocado comes from the Nahuati word ahuacatl which means testicle because of the shape of the fruit and the rough green skin of some cultivars. Avocados or what they also call alligator pears are a commercially valuable fruit. The tree does not tolerate the freezing temperature and can only be grown in subtropical or tropical climates.
In around 500 B.C, avocados were discovered in caves specifically in the State of Puebla, Mexico. Historical evidences that the avocados were also the well known food in the markets of Mexico City far back in the year 1554. Buried along with the Incan mummies in 750 B.C. were the domesticated avocado seeds.
Long before the arrival of the Europeans, avocado has been widely cultivated in America but it has been recorded only after they stepped on the mainland.
European writer, Martin Fernandez de Enciso the well known Spanish navigator and geographer published his first book the "Suma de Geografia" in 1518 to 1519 to describe the avocados.
Other Spanish explorers noticed that the liquid coming from the seed of avocados becomes red when exposed to air. They discovered that they could be used as ink. Documents written using avocado ink still exist until today.
In early 20th century, modern avocados began the cultivation in Australia, United States and also in Florida and California. It was after they have discovered that the tree can be grafted in different ways. Orchards and commercial plantings were also established. Then they also started to flourish them.
Famously, Mexico City is still the leading producer of the avocado fruit of all countries. Other countries such as the Dominican Republic, Brazil and Columbia are just a few among the largest commercial producers of avocados. This creamy fruit has also gained popularity and available not only in the countries I have mentioned above but to the entire world with different varieties!