National Avocado Day 2023

Last Updated on March 17, 2023

Avocados are fruits that originate from south-central Mexico. Avocados are spherical fruits with a big central seed (like in a mango). They are green-skinned and ripen after harvesting. The flesh of the avocado is creamy and rich in vitamins. The 31st of July is celebrated as National Avocado Day. Avocado is well known for being the main ingredient of Guacamole, the dip or spread that accompanies many Mexican-styled or original food like tacos and nachos. But beyond just being an ingredient of the guacamole, the avocado also has a lot of other important applications and, more importantly, a great history behind it. This article is specially created to let you know all that you need to know about National Avocado Day.

The history behind National Avocado Day

The avocado is technically called Persea Americana. It is believed to have originated from the Tehuacan Valley, which is located in Puebla, Mexico. In fact, the Aztecs are known to have eaten avocados. National Avocado Day was founded by Model Meals, a meal delivery service based in California. They chose the 31st of July to be National Avocado Day as it is the peak season for avocados in California. 

Facts about avocados

• The avocado was initially called aguacate or alligator pear. In 1696, Sir Hans Sloane, a naturalist, termed it ‘avocado.’ This was made official in 1915 by the California Avocado Association. 
• Apart from consuming avocados, it is believed that the Aztecs included avocados in their face masks. 
• The avocado was formally introduced in Mexican dishes only during the 1920s, and it gained popularity as guacamole only in the 1950s. 
• Avocados are a rich source of vitamins C, E, K, B1, B2, and A, Potassium, and Omega 3 fatty acids. 
• Mexico produces more than 30 percent of the world’s supply of avocados.
• It is believed that Mesoamerican tribes such as the Inca, the Olmec, and the Maya domesticated and cultivated wild avocado trees.

How to celebrate National Avocado Day?

The best way to celebrate National Avocado Day is to:

1. Start by Googling all that you need to know about avocados (or you could just read this article)
2. Google the recipe for your favorite avocado-based dish
3. Go to the nearest market or grocery store and get some fresh avocados.
4. Invite friends and family over
5. Prepare the avocado dish of your choice.
6. Have fun as you munch on your favorite avocado-based dish!

Why do we celebrate National Avocado Day?

The purpose of National Avocado Day is not to remember the fruit. One celebrates National Avocado Day to understand the rich history behind the fruit, avocados applications, and its health benefits. So National Avocado Day is a day to be remembered. It is a chance to try something unique and spend quality time with friends and family. Watching or chatting or playing with friends or family while munching on avocado-based snacks and finally sharing an avocado-based dinner with your loved ones. It has much greater value than just being a fruit, especially if it is able to give you a reason to celebrate and have fun with your loved ones. So this 31st of July, don’t forget to celebrate National Avocado Day!

When is National Avacado Day?

Other Days Celebrated in July

• Cow Appreciation Day
• National Sugar Cookie Day
• National Mac and Cheese Day
• National Lipstick Day
• National Cheesecake Day