THE DOMINICAN AVOCADO

Wow, they are huge! It is the Dominican avocado/ aguacate that have many wondering if they are real. In this edition of BOP goes local a little lesson on one of the biggest export products of the Dominican Republic. Did you already spot an avocado tree in Punta Cana?

They come in all shapes and sizes. But the Dominican avocado rules went it comes down to its bigness. We are sure you have spotted the large avocados in Punta Cana on the streets, in the supermarket, or on the beach. Yes, sometimes people sell them while you are lying on your sunbed. What we do, is order some good fish and let them cut the avocado as an extra side dish, next to our tostones. Or we just eat them as a snack. A good guacamole is also very delicious at times, but one of our favorites is an avocado, pineapple, banana, and coconut smoothie. Just make your own blend at one of the many fruit stalls in Punta Cana.

But of course, the nutritional benefits of this fruit are great. It is high in healthy fats, fibers and has various healthy nutrients.

Export

What you might not know is that the Dominican avocado is one of the biggest export products of the island. First, the fruit was primarily exported to the United States because. Also, very easy, because the United States is very close by. Dominican tropical avocado exporters, were not that interested in exporting to Europe, since transportation costs were higher and how good would the avocados be after a long flight. But in March 2015 they were forced to rethink their options.

A single Mediterranean fruit fly made the US ban Dominican avocados.
And that´s how part of the big avocado madness started in Europe when exporters were forced to look at the continent as an avocado market. And with success. The Dominican avocados have been popping up everywhere in Europe.

Where to get the best avocados in Punta Cana? Everywhere, but one of our favorite places is the vegetable truck that drives around Bavaro. When you see it, stop it on the street and pick out the biggest avocado you see.

Photo: Instagram @godomrep[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]