Avocados are mostly eaten fresh in its natural form but can be processed to produce oil and pulp. In 2018, South African production of avocados was around 170 000 tonnes, of which half (86 000 tonnes) were exported to Europe and the UK. About 40% was sold in the local market and another 10% was processed to avocado oil and purée.
Avocado Oil
The oil content of avocados is second only to olives and sometimes greater.
The flesh of ripe avocados can be processed to produce crude oil, refined oil, and cold-pressed avocado oil; this is used in the cosmetic and food industry. Avocado oil product is available as extra-virgin and can be flavoured, e.g. with garlic or lemon. Apart from its use in salads and marinades, it has a high smoke point of 250°C which makes it ideal for frying and roasting.
Avocado oil is a source of omega-3 fatty acids, contains monounsaturated fatty acids such as the anti-inflammatory oleic acid and is cholesterol-free. It also contains chlorophyll which is not only a natural source of magnesium but also helps the body dispose of heavy metals.
Avocado oil is a vitamin-rich oil that contains vitamins A, B1, B2 and D, amino acids, lecithin and is especially praised for its antioxidant properties due to high levels of vitamin E. It is suitable for sensitive, sun-damaged skin and can help to alleviate skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis.
Avocado oil is packaged in glass bottles for retail and bulk oil is available in 210-litre drums.
Avocado Pulp
Avocados are processed to create guacamole - which is a dip, or avocado purée/pulp. High pressure processing is used to produce the pulp, whereafter the product is packed and frozen at minus 18°C.
Frozen pulp has a shelf life of up to 2 years and a 30-day refrigerated shelf life after defrosting. Defrost overnight in a refrigerator.
Avocado pulp product may be unflavoured or flavoured with tomato, onion, lemon, coriander and spices such as chillies. Retail packs are placed into plastic tubs and bulk product is packed in plastic pouches of up to 3 kg. Most avocado puree and guacamole products from South Africa are certified Kosher and Halaal.
Frozen Avocado
Ripe avocados are peeled, destone and cut into slices or blocks. These avocado pieces are then dipped in a mixture of ascorbic acid and citric acid before being individually quick frozen (IQF). The product is then filled into plastic bags.
By Marinda Louw