Avocados. Read that little sticker on this fruit before you buy it.
What you need to know about the avocado industry.
The dark side of the avocado industry
Avocados, which are fruits, are very versatile. I usually just add a few slices to the side of my meal, but they can also be added to salads, dips, dressings, wraps, and so forth.
Avocados are loaded with healthy fats like omega-3 EFAs and monosaturated fats that can assist in reducing inflammation and help you feel full longer. They are also rich in fiber and magnesium.
But you should know the dark side of avocado and avocado oil buying.
I first became aware of the cartels and corruption in Mexico regarding avocado farms after watching the segment on avocados via the show Rotten on Netflix several years ago.
I was shocked, mainly because, as a nutritionist, I was clueless about this.
Check where your avocado is sourced from
Recently, a new avocado company asked me to review their avocado oil. They sent me bottles of their oil, and I sampled it, looked at the color, and did a smell/taste test. I was pleased with the oil's fresh smell, thick texture, and deep green color.
I told the company that I would be happy to write a post on the oil they produce in Mexico if they could share the source of their avocados.
Since they were not from California-grown avocados, knowing the Mexico source is vital. But when I asked, I received zero response, whereas prior to the sourcing questions, they responded to my emails immediately.
When choosing avocados in the store, it is important not only to avoid buying very soft avocados if you do not plan on using them that day but also to look at the sticker on the fruit to make sure it is California-grown and not grown in Mexico unless it says organic and fair trade.
The reason for this is that the avocado boom is causing not only deforestation in Mexico but was probably grown illegally on land stolen or cleared in an act of arson or land illegally stripped of its trees.
Avocado trees also need irrigation, and these illegal farms may siphon water, stealing the water source from local communities that now do not have water for their own crops, to drink, or to bathe in. Some are forced to leave their land because of the water theft.
Cartels are profitable in the avocado industry, extorting protection money from farmers, packers, or hijacking trucks that take produce to the market. These cartels have murdered indigenous forest guardians who speak out about the corruption.
If you live in the US, buy and eat only California-grown or organic fair-trade avocados. If you use avocado oil, check that, too! The avocados I buy from Natural Grocers have a sticker that says they are grown in California.
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A couple years ago, Mexico announced that it was not using round up on any of its produced or any GMO seeds just about everything coming from the agricultural industry in Mexico was going to be natural..
I expected Montano to send in the army or some people to get assassinated. They do have a new president she might reverse the law that came into implement this year starting in 2023 or 2024.
Good to know. Thanks Karen!