Long overshadowed by Mexican rivals, California's avocados to take center stage in Carpinteria

The California Avocado Festival will be held in downtown Carpinteria.Photo byJohn VidonUnsplash

Normally overshadowed in the marketplace by Mexican imports, California's homegrown avocados will be celebrated during a three-day event in Carpinteria beginning on October 4 at 1:00 pm. Admission to the California Avocado Festival is free.

A guacamole contest is open to participants of all ages. There will be musical performances, including one by seven-year-old singer Soleil Perry, on four stages along Linden Avenue. Food vendores will also be available. Proceeds from the event will go to the Carpinteria Education Foundation and the Carpinteria Future Farmers of America.

Imports of avocados on the rise

Americans are eating more avocados, but fewer avocados are being grown in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. "The United States has produced an average of about 400 million pounds of avocados each year since 2000, but production has slowly declined since 2011 with a decline in U.S. avocado acreage," the department said.

Imports made up 90 percent of the avocados available to consumers in the United States, the department said. "Mexico is the leading global producer of avocados, and the United States is the main destination for Mexico’s avocado exports," the department said.

California grows almost 90% of U.S. avocados

California grows "nearly 90%" of the avocados produced in the United States, according to the California Avocado Commission. "Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties are among the top avocado producing counties in California. These counties make up 48% of the California avocado industry; grossing over $167 million in 2011," said the University of California in a report archived on the commission website.

Rich in vitamins, antioxidants and healthy fats

Avocados are reportedly rich in vitamin C and vitamin E, two antioxidants, as well as vitamin K, which is important for healthy blood clotting. The fruit is also reported to contain the following B vitamins:

• Vitamin B-1 (thiamine or thiamin)
• Vitamin B-2 (riboflavin)
• Vitamin B-3 (niacin)
• Vitamin B-5 (pantothenic acid)
• Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine)
• Vitamin B-9 (folate)

Besides vitamins C and E, avocados contain the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin which are important for maintaining vision in a person's later years, according to WebMD.

"Avocados have oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid (also found in olive oil and nuts) that can slash the odds of breast cancer, according to a study of more than 4,000 women," WedMD pointed out. The American Heart Association recommends eating avocados as a way of reducing a person's cholesterol levels.

Guacamole, avocado toast and more

Plenty of recipes for dishes with avocados are available online. There are numerous versions of guacamole and avocado toast.

Recipes can also be found for the following:

Avocado Butter

Vietnamese Avocado Smoothie

Green Gazpacho with Kimchi

Stuffed Avocado Salad

Avocado Hummus

Sponsors of the 2024 California Avocado Festival include Bliss Avocados, Calavo, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and Wiggy Ranch.