Avocados and Kiwis: A Journey from Farm to Table

Avocado Production

The world of avocados is a significant industry, with American farmers harvesting over 260 million pounds annually. California produces 90% of the country’s total avocado supply, making the US one of the world’s largest avocado producers. Avocados are transformed into various products like avocado oil, frozen chunks, and guacamole.

Harvesting Avocados

Farmers harvest avocados by hand, carefully checking ripeness and picking each one to ensure the best quality. No machine can replace the hands of a skilled farmer for this task. With the help of specialized tools and techniques, they can harvest up to 1,000 lbs of avocados per hour. Human hands are essential for harvesting avocados as they provide precision and care, preserving the quality and freshness of the fruit.

Processing Avocados

After harvesting, avocados go through a strict processing system at a packing facility, which includes cold storage and automated conveyor systems to ensure optimal condition and cleanliness before reaching consumers. Avocados are thoroughly cleaned with a spray system to remove dirt and debris, then washed in a water tank with a food-safe solution to eliminate bacteria and extend shelf life.

Sorting and Packaging Avocados

Avocados are dried with soft rotating brushes and then sorted using a high-speed optical machine with laser sensors that analyze color, size, ripeness, and surface defects to ensure consistency and quality. Automated sorting ensures only the finest avocados continue production, optimizing efficiency and minimizing waste. Avocados are labeled and sorted by size before being packed into cartons or mesh bags.

Guacamole Production

The guacamole production process involves peeling, de-pitting, and grinding the avocados, then mixing them with ingredients like lime juice, salt, and spices using an automated system to ensure a consistent flavor. The final product undergoes a quality check before being packaged. Guacamole is filled into sealed bags with an accuracy of 1G using an automated system, then treated with High Pressure Processing (HPP) to eliminate bacteria without heat or preservatives, preserving its fresh flavor and quality.

Avocado Oil and Frozen Avocado

Avocados are also processed into high-value oil through cold pressing and filtration, resulting in a pure and nutrient-rich oil. Additionally, frozen avocado is a popular option for preserving the fruit. Avocados are preserved by cutting them into pieces and quickly freezing them to prevent oxidation, allowing for storage up to 12 months without preservatives.

Kiwi Production

Kiwi is a superfood with high vitamin C content, growing on ambitious vines that thrive in warm summers and chilly winters. Top kiwi-producing countries include China, New Zealand, and Italy, with China leading the pack. Harvesting kiwi requires a delicate touch and impeccable timing, unlike other fruits like apples.

Harvesting Kiwi

Farmers use a refractometer to measure sugar levels and determine when kiwis are ready to be harvested. Picking too early results in sour kiwis, so they wait until the sweetness hits the right spot. Most kiwis are harvested by hand, a delicate and labor-intensive process that requires skill, patience, and a gentle touch to avoid damaging the fruit.

Processing Kiwi

The harvested kiwis are then transported to processing facilities, with every step carefully managed to maintain freshness and integrity, supporting sustainable and traditional farming practices. Kiwis undergo a two-step cleansing process in the factory, starting with a wet wash using water jets and soft brushes, followed by a dry cleaning method that uses specialized brushes and air blowers to remove remaining dirt and debris without compromising the fruit’s delicate skin.

Sorting and Packaging Kiwi

The sorting stage uses state-of-the-art technology, including lasers and cameras, to evaluate each fruit based on size, weight, color, and quality. The flawless kiwis are destined for supermarket shelves, while those that don’t meet the standards are still usable and have a lot to offer, despite being slightly smaller or less visually perfect. Imperfect kiwis are used to make products like juice and jam, while perfect ones are carefully packed in trays to prevent bruising and then boxed with labels for distribution.

Conclusion

The journey of avocados and kiwis from farm to table is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail and a commitment to quality. From harvesting and processing to packaging and distribution, every step is crucial in ensuring that these nutritious fruits reach consumers in the best possible condition. Whether you’re enjoying guacamole made from fresh avocados or snacking on a perfectly ripe kiwi, you can appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into bringing these delicious fruits to your table.

Key Facts

• American farmers harvest over 260 million pounds of avocados annually.
• California produces 90% of the country’s total avocado supply.
• Kiwi is a superfood with high vitamin C content.
• Top kiwi-producing countries include China, New Zealand, and Italy.
• Avocados are processed into various products like avocado oil, frozen chunks, and guacamole.
• Kiwis are used to make products like juice and jam.

Health Benefits

Both avocados and kiwis are nutritious fruits that offer numerous health benefits. Avocados are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and various essential vitamins and minerals. Kiwis are an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a great addition to a healthy diet.

Economic Impact

The avocado and kiwi industries have a significant economic impact, particularly in countries like New Zealand. The kiwi industry provides jobs in farming, processing, transportation, and marketing, contributing to the local economy and supporting sustainable farming practices.

Key Vocabulary

Watch The Video

Vocabulary Quiz

1. Which word means ‘a process of removing dirt and debris from avocados using a spray system and a water tank with a food-safe solution’?

A) Harvesting
B) Sorting
C) Processing
D) Cleaning

2. What is the primary method used for harvesting avocados?

A) Machine picking
B) Hand picking
C) Automated conveyor systems
D) Cold storage

3. Which country is the leading producer of kiwis?

A) New Zealand
B) Italy
C) China
D) United States

4. What is the purpose of using a refractometer in kiwi harvesting?

A) To measure the size of kiwis
B) To determine the color of kiwis
C) To measure sugar levels and determine ripeness
D) To evaluate the quality of kiwis

5. What is the result of avocados being processed into oil through cold pressing and filtration?

A) A low-value oil with minimal nutrients
B) A pure and nutrient-rich oil
C) A frozen avocado product
D) A guacamole product

Answer Key:

1. D
2. B
3. C
4. C
5. B

Grammar Focus

Grammar Focus: Passive Voice

Grammar Quiz:

Choose the correct form of the passive voice for each sentence:

1. The avocados ____________________ by hand to ensure the best quality.
   
   A) are harvesting
   
   B) are harvested
   
   C) harvest
   
   D) have harvested
2. Kiwis ____________________ in a two-step cleansing process in the factory.
   
   A) are clean
   
   B) clean
   
   C) are cleaned
   
   D) have cleaned
3. Guacamole ____________________ with ingredients like lime juice and salt using an automated system.
   
   A) mix
   
   B) is mixing
   
   C) is mixed
   
   D) mixes
4. Avocados ____________________ into high-value oil through cold pressing and filtration.
   
   A) process
   
   B) are processed
   
   C) are processing
   
   D) process into
5. The kiwis ____________________ with labels for distribution after being carefully packed in trays.
   
   A) box
   
   B) are boxed
   
   C) box with
   
   D) have boxed

Answer Key:

1. B) are harvested
2. C) are cleaned
3. C) is mixed
4. B) are processed
5. B) are boxed