Green Gold Avocado in Alanya

Alanya Avocados

I want to demonstrate how strategic and important it is to invest in avocado cultivation in Turkey, particularly in Alanya. Avocado is a green gold, and every year, more and more people are enjoying avocados and becoming accustomed to eating them. In this article, I aim to enlighten you about new investment opportunities in Alanya.

We’re addicted.

I’m a fanatic for avocado flavour. I can eat avocado plain, in a salad, as a sauce, or in a sandwich. It’s delicious or mixed with anything and can serve as the centrepiece of any meal. I can honestly say that we have become addicted to avocados.

Eating avocado is a lifestyle choice that immerses you in the healthy Mediterranean way of living, emphasising nutritious eating and physical activity. Eat healthily and move healthily.

Alanya, located on the southern coast of Türkiye, has a unique microclimate ideal for avocado cultivation. The region’s warm temperatures and abundant sunlight contribute to the high quality of Alanya avocados, which are renowned for their creamy texture and rich flavour.

The Alanya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ALTSO) has secured a geographical indication for avocados from Alanya. Former ALTSO President Mehmet Şahin stated, “As we strive to develop the agricultural sector, Alanya Avocado has now gained recognition as a geographical mark.”

Hilmi Sevilgen, the President of the Alanya Avocado Producers Association, made significant statements regarding the production targets for 2025. Sevilgen announced that they aim to produce 150 million avocados in Türkiye by the end of April.

What does “avocado” mean?

Avocado, scientifically known as Persea americana, originates in Mexico and Central America, where it was cultivated by the Aztecs over 10,000 years ago as a staple food crop. The word “avocado” comes from the Nahuatl term “āhuacatl,” which means “testicle,” referencing the fruit’s shape. In the Aztec language, “ahuacate” referred to the “testicle tree,” and the Aztecs regarded the avocado as an aphrodisiac.

The fruit is also commonly known as the “alligator pear” due to its rough skin and pear-like shape. Avocado cultivation eventually spread from Mexico to various parts of the world, including the United States, Chile, Israel, Spain, Australia, and Indonesia. The Fuerte variety, which was selected in Mexico, was introduced to California in 1911, marking the beginning of commercial avocado cultivation in the United States.

Avocado in Türkiye

The first recorded cultivation of avocado plants in Türkiye dates back to the 1700s. Molla Kamil Efendi, who received agricultural training, is credited with growing avocados brought from abroad in Yalova. However, this early attempt didn’t gain widespread acceptance due to unfounded rumours about the fruit

Avocado farming in Türkiye began as a hobby in the 1950s and expanded commercially in the 1980s. Today, Turkey is recognised for producing high-quality avocados that are exported to various international markets. Scientific research highlighting the high nutritional value of avocados has contributed to their growing popularity, resulting in their frequent appearance in both visual and written media in Turkiye as well.

Avocado is a product well-suited for research and development, offering alternative uses and being regarded as a functional food by consumers. Mexico is one of the leading nations in avocado production, while in Turkey, avocado cultivation is primarily concentrated in the Mediterranean Region, particularly in the Alanya district of Antalya province.

Globally, the Hass variety is the most produced and traded, whereas the Fuerte variety holds the title for the most produced avocado in Türkiye. The Alanya Avocado, which is registered with a geographical indication, is a Fuerte variety. Currently, research is being conducted on optimal consumption practices for avocados, particularly within the domestic market.

The leading countries in world avocado exports, in terms of value, are Mexico, the Netherlands, and Peru. The United States accounts for approximately 40% of global avocado imports. Avocado farming is a promising income source for producers, with earnings ranging from 100,000 to 400,000 liras per acre. Depending on the species, avocados can be planted either densely or sparsely.

Often referred to as “green gold,” avocados are regarded as a highly strategic product, particularly considering that the garden price is an average of 1 USD per fruit today in Alanya.

Highly Nutritious

Avocados are highly nutritious and offer a wide range of health benefits. Here are some key points about their advantages:
Rich Nutritional Value: Avocados are packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, as well as folate, magnesium, and potassium.
Heart Health: They contain healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which can help stabilize cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.
Antioxidants: Avocados are rich in antioxidants that may help reduce cellular damage from free radicals.
Digestive Health: Due to their high fiber content, avocados support proper digestion and can help prevent issues like constipation.
Skin and Hair Health: The vitamin E and healthy oils found in avocados are beneficial for skin and hair. They help moisturize the skin and enhance its elasticity.
Eye Health: Avocados contain carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health and may lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
Weight Control: Their satisfying and healthy fat content can aid in maintaining weight control.
Reduces Inflammation: Avocados have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help decrease inflammation in the body.
Blood Sugar Balance: They can help stabilize blood sugar levels since they are low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats.
As they say, incorporating avocados into your diet can contribute positively to your overall health.

I am both a producer and a consumer.
Avocado is a geographically labelled product of Alanya. Just as Gothenburg is known for its shrimp salad, Alanya should have a standard yet delightful avocado salad featuring an incredible dressing that the gastronomic world refers to as sauce.
In Alanya, there are varieties such as Fuerte, Hass, Bacon, and Zutano, each with its ripening period. You can enjoy fresh avocado for almost 12 months of the year.