Asparagus imports are rising. Meanwhile, a diet avocado is being introduced.
Imported Peruvian asparagus is now arriving a U.S. ports in normal volume after experiencing tight supplies, at least compared to this time last year. .
Now both Peru and Mexico are hitting stride when it comes to volume. As a rule, Peruvian asparagus imports move into good volume in May, which continues through the middle of January. At this time there will be heavier imports of Mexican asparagus from Caborca and central Mexico in the winter and summer.
This year, imports of Peruvian asparagus have been lower compared with year-ago levels due to adverse weather conditions earlier in the year, which took a toll on yields. Season-to-date volume from Peru is down 800,000 to 1 million boxes compared with a year ago. Through September 30th, the USDA reported total imports of Peruvian asparagus totals 6.01 million 11-pound cartons, off from 7.35 million cartons at the same time a year ago. The U.S. receives about 70 percent of Peru’s fresh asparagus exports.
So far this year, Mexican asparagus shipments to the U.S. were 5.8 million cartons through September 30th, up seven percent from the same time a year ago.
Peruvian Avocado Imports
The United States received a record 145 million pounds of Peruvian avocados this year, helping meet demand in a market short of domestic supplies.
Diet Avocados
A Spanish fruit company has invented a diet avocado with 30 percent less fat.
Eurobanan has introduced a diet avocado under its Isla Bonita brand. It is describe as having a mild flavor and juicier pulp, and also ripening fast yet oxidizing ie, turning so a shade of gray much more slowly. This means it should outlast a full-fat conventional avocado. It is said to be great for the preparation of smoothies, cold soup, gazpachos, cocktails, and many other dishes.
Its official launch is later this month at a trade show in Madrid. However, but unfortunately for Americans, the diet avocado will only be sold in Spain for the time being.
Spanish heart-health advocates tested the fruit’s nutritional claims, and have since affixed seal certifying it does have almost one-third less fat and can be grown almost year around.
Avocados have the type of fat deemed good by doctors because it is monounsaturated, and helps lower bad cholesterol if eaten in moderation.