
Betting on green
To the southwest of the Anaga Massif is Igueste de San Andrés, a tropical orchard if ever there was one. The village is located between the Igueste and Chiquita ravines, forming a lush valley with numerous tropical crops. Its climate and geographical location give rise to a characteristic microclimate that enhances the growth of species such as papaya, mango, mamey and avocado, among others.
The avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is native to Mexico. The Aztecs knew it as “ahuacati”, from Nahuatl, “fruit of the avocado”. Avocado seeds arrived in the valley of Igueste from Cuba (with the emigration of Canary Islanders to this country) and since the arrival of the first avocado growers in the valley, they have continued to be planted by seed. Today, avocado occupies a prominent position in the production of tropical crops in Tenerife, with the work of hundreds of farmers, occupying a large number of hectares in the north of the island, which has led to a significant increase in production.
This fruit has multiple properties that make it very attractive, such as the high level of folic acid, the amount of potassium or vitamins C and E. The Canary Islands is the Spanish region where it is most consumed. Avocado flesh is buttery and has a high level of good fat. There are several types grown in Tenerife, although two are the most widespread and commercial: Hass and Fuerte.
The Hass variety is medium-sized and has a rough skin that darkens as it ripens. It is harvested between November and July. The Fuerte variety is slightly more elongated (reminiscent of a pear), smooth-skinned and ripe green. There are others such as the Pinkerton, which is smaller in size than the previous ones, ripens green and has a very creamy pulp and a small stone. Another is the Reed variety, which only occurs in the summer months.
Curiosity: bees are a fundamental part of avocado reproduction. The avocado flower is hermaphroditic, because the same flower is both male and female, which is a problem for self-pollination. The flower, when it opens for the first time is female and when it reopens the next day it is fundamentally male, which is known as dichogamous asynchrony. This is why the presence of bees is fundamental in avocado crops. As well as intercropping avocado crops with other varieties.
Recipe with avocado and mango from Igueste: salmon tartar with avocado and mango.
Ingredients: 250 g salmon, 1 teaspoon mustard, 2 lemons, 1 mango from Igueste, 1 ripe avocado from Igueste, half an onion, 1 tomato, parsley, olive oil, pepper and salt.
Preparation: squeeze the lemons and reserve the juice. Chop and mix the onion, tomato, salmon and add the mustard, lemon juice and chopped parsley along with salt and pepper and mix. It will have to be kept in the refrigerator covered so that it does not oxidize. Meanwhile, dice the mango and avocado, add a tablespoon of lemon juice, salt and pepper and add to the previous mixture. To present it, it can be served in a plating ring and decorated with some parsley leaves.
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