Gastropod Ripe for Global Domination: The Story of the Avocado
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Jan 27, 2026 A romp through the avocado’s journey from ancient Mesoamerican groves to global obsession. Tales include the accidental rise of the Hass variety, California’s commercial boom, and ripening-room tech that fixed the ripeness problem. The story also dives into Michoacán’s avocado goldrush, deforestation and cartel impacts, and where the fruit might spread next as a trendy ‘butter fruit.’
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Avocado's Deep Prehistoric Roots
- Avocados are ancient New World fruits with evidence of human consumption dating back at least 10,000 years in central Mexico.
- They were likely domesticated multiple times and became dietary staples for early Mesoamerican cultures.
Ancient Evolution And Lost Seed Dispersers
- Avocados belong to the ancient laurel family and evolved alongside now-extinct megafauna that once dispersed their large seeds.
- After megafauna extinction, smaller animals like rodents took over seed dispersal roles, shaping avocado ecology.
How The Hass Came From A Chance Seedling
- The ubiquitous Hass variety started as a chance seedling found in La Habra Heights and propagated after David Fairchild's plant explorations.
- Postman-grower Rudolph Haas patented the superior seedling that became the dominant commercial avocado.
