Hello hello!
How's your week going? Here in the Valencia orchard, we're still toiling in the furrows.
Today I want to talk to you about a topic that has led to discussions, memes, and even arguments at the bar: the avocado's water footprint.
Believe me, {nombre}, I've seen it all. Some say avocados drink like camels, that one avocado empties a reservoir. Allow me to tell you how we see it from here, with our hands in the earth and the drip irrigation setting the pace.
Our fields have been irrigated with water from the Júcar River since approximately 1510. Five centuries of drinking from the same river isn't due to luck, but to respect and good management. It's water that is replenished by rainfall and snowmelt in the basin, and which we share thoughtfully. Just as you don't turn on the tap full blast to wash a cup, we measure every drop in the field.
And here's a fact that surprises many. In summer, an orange tree and an avocado tree receive practically the same amount of water. I know avocados get worse press, while nobody makes a documentary about oranges.
But when you look at what each tree consumes during the heat, the difference isn't the mountain some portray. Note that, at other times, avocados usually require even less than orange trees, because their cycle is different.
Here, ultimately, the important thing is to use water wisely.
How do we do it? Drip irrigation. Instead of haphazardly watering half the field, water drips slowly into the root zone, like when you sip the last of your horchata to avoid spilling it. This reduces evaporation and prevents water from running off downhill.
And in the case of the avocado, which is a tropical plant and needs constant humidity but no puddles, drip irrigation is a godsend. The roots drink without stress and the water resource is truly cared for. This way, we achieve two things at once: happy trees and well-utilized water 💧
Now let's talk about what it gives us in return. Salvador, who has spent half his life with avocados, always says that you cannot compare what an avocado provides nutritionally with other fruits or vegetables. And he's right. Avocado is dense in good nutrients.
And even more so when cultivated with environmentally friendly methods and harvested at its perfect fat content. As we do with those available in our online store.
Our Hass avocados are packed with monounsaturated fats (the ones cardiologists recommend), fiber that feels great, abundant potassium, and vitamins like E and K. They also fill you up and satisfy. Half an avocado on toast and you're set for mid-morning without raiding the fridge.
If we compare by nutritional value per drop invested, the outcome is better than it appears at first glance.
While we're at it, here's a seasonal hint. May is a beautiful month for Hass avocados 🥑
If you've ever had doubts about avocados, give them a try now and tell me what you think.
And now I calmly ask you: How do you view this whole water and avocado issue after learning these details?
I'd love to read your thoughts.
We will continue to fine-tune our drip irrigation and work as always, with patience, humor, and our hands firmly gripping the hoe.
A big hug and I hope you have a great week.
See you between the furrows next time,
