Avocado tree
Presentation
Avocados in the Var, South of France!
The avocado tree can only thrive in warm climates. And luckily for us, the Var area enjoys the unique sunshine of the Côte d’Azur!
Excellent for health, avocado fruit is consumed fresh and raw and is very high in lipids, vitamins and antioxidants. Although the tree flowers in summer (you will see it in bloom while you’re holidaying at our four-star campsite Les Jardins de La Pascalinette® !), the fruit is harvested in winter.
Its name apparently stems from the word ahuacatl, (uto-azteque dialect), as does the word guacamole (ahuacamolli). It is delicious served in salads, on its own or blended!
You can grow your own avocado tree by placing a pit in a glass, half-immersed in water (stick some toothpicks in it so it stands up). Once the roots start to grow, it can be planted in a pot. But don’t expect it to produce any fruit for a very long time!
Avocado, a precious health ally
Avocado was first consumed in Europe in the 17th century, but in Central America it has been a staple food for several thousand years: stones (or pits) have been found in caves in Mexico.
Rich in fibres, it is a precious source of vitamins and minerals.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties and is good for the heart. It should, however, be noted that although avocado is very nutritious, it is also quite high in calories. It is therefore recommended to eat it moderately to maintain a balanced diet.
Where to find it at the campsite
You will find our avocado tree in Allée des Bormettes (nr. 12 on the botanical footpath plan).
Identity
Latin name : | Persea americana |
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Family : | lauraceae |
Genus : | Persea |
Species : | americana |
Color : | Yellow flowers, green to dark green fruit |
Origin : | Mexico, Guatemala, Central America |
Foliage : | Evergreen |
Port : | Fruit tree |
Height : | 15 to 20 m in its natural environment |
Flowering : | summer |
Did you know?
You can even use avocado flesh as a nourishing and toning face mask. This delicious fruit really is a perfect all-rounder!