Crop Chronicles
All About Avocado
Avocados, a nutrient-rich fruit with deep cultural roots in Belize, are carefully cultivated and processed at Silk Grass Farms using regenerative practices that protect the land and support local communities.
We grow six hearty local varieties of avocado: Butter Pear, Alligator, Yellow, Redondo, Semil, and November Late. The climatic conditions in Belize — and especially the amount of rain we get at Silk Grass Farms — affect how the fruit grows, with each variety bringing its own flavor and texture profile to the foods we then produce in our factory.
Sustainable Avocado Farming in Belize at Silk Grass Farms
Unlike the globally popular Hass avocado which cannot thrive at Belize’s elevation, our chosen varieties are well-suited to local conditions and rainfall. We use regenerative agriculture methods to nurture them without agrochemicals, relying instead on innovative solutions such as homemade bio soap to manage pests and organic acid extractions to improve soil health.
This approach enriches the soil, reduces chemical use, and strengthens ecosystems. Our avocado groves, planted in 2021, are still young but already producing harvests of exceptional quality. Over time, they will become an integral part of Silk Grass Farms’ continuous crop cycle, bridging the seasonal gaps between other crops.
For example, just as the citrus season ends in May or June, the Butter Pear, Alligator, Yellow, and Redondo avocados are beginning to ripen, with Semil and November Late to follow in the early fall months. Avocado is becoming a critical component of the Silk Grass Farms’ annual cycle to ensure we always have crops to harvest and supply to the factory.
Harvesting and Processing Avocados
Avocados at Silk Grass Farms are harvested by hand once they’ve reached physiological maturity — a stage when the seed easily separates from the fruit. Unlike many fruits, avocados do not ripen on the tree; they must fall or be ripened after picking.
Processing is largely manual to preserve quality. After ripening, avocados are cut open, seeds removed, and flesh separated by hand before being transformed into guacamole, sauces, or avocado-based blends. Ingredients like turmeric, lime, or ginger grown on the farm are sometimes incorporated. Products are then packaged using high-pressure processing (HPP) to ensure food safety and maintain freshness.
The Yellow avocado can grow a long neck, resembling the shape of butternut squash. Even when it ripens, the outside of the avocado remains yellow.
Minimizing Waste and Building Soil Health
The only byproducts of avocado processing are skins and pits, which are composted to return nutrients and vital microorganisms to the soil. This practice enhances soil structure and health without relying on chemical fertilizers, aligning with Silk Grass Farms’ commitment to regenerative agriculture.
Our Avocado Products
Silk Grass Farms currently produces fresh guacamole, avocado sauces, and is developing new products such as green juices and blended beverages. Every product highlights the natural flavor and creamy texture of our local avocado varieties, while offering customers nutritious and sustainable options.
Avocados in Belize: Culture, Cuisine, and Local Traditions
Avocados are indigenous to Central America and have been part of Belizean culture since the ancient Maya cultivated them. Today, avocado season is eagerly anticipated across Belize, when the fruit appears at nearly every meal — on the side of breakfast, topping empanadas, blended into guacamole, or sliced onto bread with peanut butter (a favorite of our own Dr. Henry Canton when he was a university student!).
Avocados also contribute to the local economy by providing income for farmers and processors, while strengthening Belize’s culinary traditions. For Silk Grass Farms, the crop is essential not only for its cultural significance but also for its role in creating year-round farm productivity.
Why Avocados Matter at Silk Grass Farms
Avocados represent both a beloved local food and a cornerstone of our farm’s regenerative future. By cultivating diverse varieties, minimizing waste, and developing innovative avocado products, Silk Grass Farms is ensuring this crop supports our notion: eat well, be well, stay well.