Avocados, once considered an exotic fruit, have now become a beloved ingredient in the Indian culinary scene. From traditional recipes to innovative fusion dishes, the creamy fruit is being embraced by chefs and food enthusiasts across the country. To find out why there is a growing demand for the fruit and how Indians are consuming it, CNBC-TV18 spoke to people in the avocado industry and were surprised to find out that there are even ice-creams in India made of avocado.
"Avocados have been traditionally grown in India, especially in the western ghats of South India for over 20 years but there were no commercial varieties or plantations. In the last few years with increased awareness for avocados, the avocado ecosystem is evolving now,” said Ajay TG of Westfalia fruit.
“Hass avocado” is the most recognised commercial variety of avocado sold and consumed across the world. "In the last few years we have started growing Hass avocados in India as well. Currently most Hass avocados are imported into India, with about 90% of the fruit getting imported from Africa and the rest from Australia, New Zealand, and Peru," Ajay said.
India imported 3,900 MT in 2023, compared to 800 MT in 2021 and the market has been growing at a CAGR of over 100%. Indian market is poised to grow over 10x from the current levels over the next 5-7 years with increased awareness, increased availability, lowering price points and local production of Hass avocados which will come in the next couple of years, he said.
Avocados Australia, the representative industry body for the Australian avocado industry, recently ventured into India. "The Indian market holds significant potential due to its large, young population that is increasingly health-conscious and open to incorporating new and diverse foods into their diet, particularly among those following vegetarian diets," said John Tyas, Chief Executive Officer, Avocados Australia.
Also read: PM Modi enjoys salad of marinated millet and tangy avocado sauce for dinner in US
Tyas added that the consumption of avocados in India has evolved remarkably. "Initially perceived as an exotic fruit, avocados have now gained popularity among health enthusiasts, fitness experts, and culinary professionals. We have observed a growing appreciation for avocados not just in salads and smoothies, but also in traditional Indian recipes, showcasing the versatility of this superfood. We are excited to contribute to and further this positive trend by offering Australian Avocados to Indian consumers," he explained.
Last year, the World Avocado Organization (WAO) organised a campaign with Chef Sanjeev Kapoor aling with an online educational series called “Avocado Ki Paatshaala”, which featured a series of videos to create awareness on selecting ripe avocados and using avocados in Indian recipes. The WAO also partnered with other celebrity chefs and influencers to create awareness around the fruit.
Ajay TG said that while Mumbai and Delhi used to be the main consuming markets for imported Hass avocados, in recent months avocados have garnered higher consumption in other parts including Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala.
The many health benefits of avocados
Mumbai-based nutritionist Divya Ahuja said avocados are a great source of unsaturated fatty acides. Different micronutrients and fibre work towards improving the gut quality. She said these qualities make the fruit excellent for your heart and especially help in lowering the bad cholestrol LDL. "It may help bring down inflammation, which is the root cause for a lot of chronic and metabolic diseases," Ahuja said. She added that the fruit is also a great source of Vitamin E, which is good for skin and eye health because of the powerful antioxidents leutin and zeaxanthin. These are loaded with folate, which is excellent as a prenatal vitamin too, she said.
Restaurants across India are adapting to the versatile fruit
At the restaurant and bar Toast & Tonic in Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, you can find Avocado Caesar Salad, a healthy twist on the classic Caesar salad incorporating fresh avocado slices for a creamy texture and rich flavour.
Their Avocado Tacos are soft tacos filled with seasoned avocado, fresh vegetables, and zesty sauces, making for a delicious and nutritious meal. The Avocado Bowl is a wholesome dish packed with quinoa, fresh greens, vegetables, and generous slices of avocado, topped with a light dressing, balancing health and taste perfectly.
However, the Avocado trend doesn't end here.
The Swinton House in Jaipur offers Dahi Donut, an inventive dish featuring hung curd and Indian-spiced avocado mousse coated with breadcrumbs and deep-fried. This results in a crispy exterior with a flavorful, creamy interior. Their Avocado Papdi Chaat is an Indian-Mexican fusion twist on the classic Indian street food, with crispy papdis topped with avocado, tangy chutneys, and traditional chaat spices, offering a unique burst of flavours.
JW Marriott Mumbai, Juhu, offers Quinoa Chaat at Bombay Baking Company, a fusion of quinoa and traditional Indian chaat, mixing crispy quinoa with avocado, tangy chutneys, and spices for a nutritious and flavorful snack.
Also available is Avocado Toast at Bombay Baking Company, a simple yet delightful toast topped with creamy avocado, seasoned with salt, pepper, and a hint of lemon.
The Saffron Guac Chaat at JW Marriott's Saffron is an innovative take on guacamole, combining avocado with saffron-infused spices and chaat ingredients for a unique blend of flavours.
At Dashanzi, you can enjoy Avocado Sushi, featuring fresh avocado slices paired with sushi rice and seaweed, creating a fusion of Japanese and Western cuisines. Dashanzi also offers Avocado Cornetts, bite-sized treats with avocado mousse filled into crispy cornetts, offering a delightful contrast of textures.
In Bandra, Bombay Sweet Shop offers Avocado Pani Puri, a modern twist to the popular Indian street food, with puris filled with an avocado mixture and spicy tangy water, providing a refreshing and flavorful experience.
Amadeo by Oberoi serves a unique Salad Pizza with a fresh salad mix and generous slices of avocado, offering a delightful blend of fresh and baked flavours. Additionally, they have Avocado Ice Cream, a creamy dessert featuring avocado as the main ingredient, providing a rich, smooth texture and a subtle, unique flavour.
At Nksha Restaurant in Churchgate, the Avocado Sev Puri is a high-tea favourite, with crispy puris topped with avocado, sev, and a blend of tangy and spicy chutneys, creating a delightful snack.
"Avocado as an ingredient is extremely versatile. It doesn't have a very overpowering taste of its own, making it easy to add in different flavours and making a part of recipes," Ahuja said.
How you can incorporate avocados into your daily diet
Ahuja said half or an entire piece of avocado in a day is good enough to consume. "However, it's a high caloric food, therefore those observing a caloric deficit due to their goals of fat loss/weight loss, should keep the nutrition constituent, macros in mind and also the portion size accordingly," she said.
Avocados are high in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. (FODMAPs) and larger portions may trigger irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms in people that are sensitive. Based on one's tolerance, they can include 20 to 50g per meal, she said.
She added that one should avoid heating or cooking the avocado as it changes its texture and may even develop a bitter taste. However, lightly roasting or baking it can work well.
"You can include it on toast for breakfast or in your main meals as a part of a nourishing, wholesome Buddha bowl with quinoa or rice and other vegetables of your choice, salad leaves, a protein of choice and half or one avacaddoe," she said.
Ahuja herself enjoyrs a cold pasta salad with a pasta sauce made of avocado, basil, garlic, lemon juice and herbs. Another alternative is to make guacamole with the avocados and add it on toast.
Ahuja also has a note for those on blood thinners. "Avocado is rich in Vitamin K, which is key in the blood clotting process. Hence, it may have a drug-nutrient interaction," she said.
"Avocados have been traditionally grown in India, especially in the western ghats of South India for over 20 years but there were no commercial varieties or plantations. In the last few years with increased awareness for avocados, the avocado ecosystem is evolving now,” said Ajay TG of Westfalia fruit.
“Hass avocado” is the most recognised commercial variety of avocado sold and consumed across the world. "In the last few years we have started growing Hass avocados in India as well. Currently most Hass avocados are imported into India, with about 90% of the fruit getting imported from Africa and the rest from Australia, New Zealand, and Peru," Ajay said.
India imported 3,900 MT in 2023, compared to 800 MT in 2021 and the market has been growing at a CAGR of over 100%. Indian market is poised to grow over 10x from the current levels over the next 5-7 years with increased awareness, increased availability, lowering price points and local production of Hass avocados which will come in the next couple of years, he said.
Avocados Australia, the representative industry body for the Australian avocado industry, recently ventured into India. "The Indian market holds significant potential due to its large, young population that is increasingly health-conscious and open to incorporating new and diverse foods into their diet, particularly among those following vegetarian diets," said John Tyas, Chief Executive Officer, Avocados Australia.
Also read: PM Modi enjoys salad of marinated millet and tangy avocado sauce for dinner in US
Tyas added that the consumption of avocados in India has evolved remarkably. "Initially perceived as an exotic fruit, avocados have now gained popularity among health enthusiasts, fitness experts, and culinary professionals. We have observed a growing appreciation for avocados not just in salads and smoothies, but also in traditional Indian recipes, showcasing the versatility of this superfood. We are excited to contribute to and further this positive trend by offering Australian Avocados to Indian consumers," he explained.
Last year, the World Avocado Organization (WAO) organised a campaign with Chef Sanjeev Kapoor aling with an online educational series called “Avocado Ki Paatshaala”, which featured a series of videos to create awareness on selecting ripe avocados and using avocados in Indian recipes. The WAO also partnered with other celebrity chefs and influencers to create awareness around the fruit.
Ajay TG said that while Mumbai and Delhi used to be the main consuming markets for imported Hass avocados, in recent months avocados have garnered higher consumption in other parts including Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala.
The many health benefits of avocados
Mumbai-based nutritionist Divya Ahuja said avocados are a great source of unsaturated fatty acides. Different micronutrients and fibre work towards improving the gut quality. She said these qualities make the fruit excellent for your heart and especially help in lowering the bad cholestrol LDL. "It may help bring down inflammation, which is the root cause for a lot of chronic and metabolic diseases," Ahuja said. She added that the fruit is also a great source of Vitamin E, which is good for skin and eye health because of the powerful antioxidents leutin and zeaxanthin. These are loaded with folate, which is excellent as a prenatal vitamin too, she said.
Restaurants across India are adapting to the versatile fruit
At the restaurant and bar Toast & Tonic in Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, you can find Avocado Caesar Salad, a healthy twist on the classic Caesar salad incorporating fresh avocado slices for a creamy texture and rich flavour.
Their Avocado Tacos are soft tacos filled with seasoned avocado, fresh vegetables, and zesty sauces, making for a delicious and nutritious meal. The Avocado Bowl is a wholesome dish packed with quinoa, fresh greens, vegetables, and generous slices of avocado, topped with a light dressing, balancing health and taste perfectly.
However, the Avocado trend doesn't end here.
The Swinton House in Jaipur offers Dahi Donut, an inventive dish featuring hung curd and Indian-spiced avocado mousse coated with breadcrumbs and deep-fried. This results in a crispy exterior with a flavorful, creamy interior. Their Avocado Papdi Chaat is an Indian-Mexican fusion twist on the classic Indian street food, with crispy papdis topped with avocado, tangy chutneys, and traditional chaat spices, offering a unique burst of flavours.
Quinoa Chaat at Bombay Baking Company, JW Marriott, Mumbai
JW Marriott Mumbai, Juhu, offers Quinoa Chaat at Bombay Baking Company, a fusion of quinoa and traditional Indian chaat, mixing crispy quinoa with avocado, tangy chutneys, and spices for a nutritious and flavorful snack.
Avocado Toast at Bombay Baking Company, JW Marriott, Mumbai
Also available is Avocado Toast at Bombay Baking Company, a simple yet delightful toast topped with creamy avocado, seasoned with salt, pepper, and a hint of lemon.
The Saffron Guac Chaat at JW Marriott's Saffron is an innovative take on guacamole, combining avocado with saffron-infused spices and chaat ingredients for a unique blend of flavours.
Avocado Sushi at Dashanzi, JW Marriott
At Dashanzi, you can enjoy Avocado Sushi, featuring fresh avocado slices paired with sushi rice and seaweed, creating a fusion of Japanese and Western cuisines. Dashanzi also offers Avocado Cornetts, bite-sized treats with avocado mousse filled into crispy cornetts, offering a delightful contrast of textures.
In Bandra, Bombay Sweet Shop offers Avocado Pani Puri, a modern twist to the popular Indian street food, with puris filled with an avocado mixture and spicy tangy water, providing a refreshing and flavorful experience.
Salad Pizza at Amadeo by Oberoi, BKC
Amadeo by Oberoi serves a unique Salad Pizza with a fresh salad mix and generous slices of avocado, offering a delightful blend of fresh and baked flavours. Additionally, they have Avocado Ice Cream, a creamy dessert featuring avocado as the main ingredient, providing a rich, smooth texture and a subtle, unique flavour.
At Nksha Restaurant in Churchgate, the Avocado Sev Puri is a high-tea favourite, with crispy puris topped with avocado, sev, and a blend of tangy and spicy chutneys, creating a delightful snack.
"Avocado as an ingredient is extremely versatile. It doesn't have a very overpowering taste of its own, making it easy to add in different flavours and making a part of recipes," Ahuja said.
How you can incorporate avocados into your daily diet
Ahuja said half or an entire piece of avocado in a day is good enough to consume. "However, it's a high caloric food, therefore those observing a caloric deficit due to their goals of fat loss/weight loss, should keep the nutrition constituent, macros in mind and also the portion size accordingly," she said.
Avocados are high in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. (FODMAPs) and larger portions may trigger irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms in people that are sensitive. Based on one's tolerance, they can include 20 to 50g per meal, she said.
She added that one should avoid heating or cooking the avocado as it changes its texture and may even develop a bitter taste. However, lightly roasting or baking it can work well.
"You can include it on toast for breakfast or in your main meals as a part of a nourishing, wholesome Buddha bowl with quinoa or rice and other vegetables of your choice, salad leaves, a protein of choice and half or one avacaddoe," she said.
Ahuja herself enjoyrs a cold pasta salad with a pasta sauce made of avocado, basil, garlic, lemon juice and herbs. Another alternative is to make guacamole with the avocados and add it on toast.
Ahuja also has a note for those on blood thinners. "Avocado is rich in Vitamin K, which is key in the blood clotting process. Hence, it may have a drug-nutrient interaction," she said.
First Published: Jun 9, 2024 6:38 PM IST
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