Do You Love Spanish Avocados? Here Are Some Of The Best Chef-Recommended Recipes
The most popular Spanish culinary export is, of course, olive oil. This is often referred to as Andalucian liquid gold, and it is a multi-million euro industry. But what many people don't realise is that if olive oil is Spain's liquid gold, then the avocados grown in Axarquía are Spain's "green gold".
Axarquía is an area to the east of Málaga province that is known for its high yield agricultural production as well as for the quality of its avocados. And Spanish avocados, particularly Axarquía avocados, are considered to be some of the best in the world.
Here's everything you need to know about this delicious Spanish superfood.
Why are avocados so popular?
Avocados have soared in popularity and are considered a superfood as a result of their delicate flavour, creamy texture, and abundance of good fats and vitamins. They taste delicious alone, but can also be used in a wide range of renowned recipes.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), global avocado production increased from 2.3 million tonnes in 1998 to more than 10.4 million tonnes in 2023.
These delicious subtropical fruits have been grown in the province of Málaga for decades, with the highest yield being grown in the coastal region of Axarquía. The Spanish word for avocado is "aguacate", and although it is an ancient fruit that's more than 10,000 years old, it's only been grown in Spain since the 16th century.
More than 8,000 hectares of land are currently dedicated to avocado production in Axarquía, and the fruits are harvested between November and April each year. According to the Spanish tropical fruit association (AET), the region has seen forecasts of around 70,000 tonnes of avocado being yielded, an increase of 20% compared to the previous year's harvest.
There are two main reasons why avocados are so popular: they're delicious and they're good for you. After all, there's a reason they're considered a superfood. They are rich in oleic acid, a healthy fat that contributes to the reduction of bad cholesterol (LDL) and the increase of good cholesterol (HDL). They are also rich in fibre, potassium, vitamin E, folic acid and antioxidants, which provide benefits for cardiovascular health, digestion and the prevention of degenerative diseases.
Cooking with avocados
Spanish avocados are so rich and delicious that you can simply slice them and eat them like apples. But if you want to try something a little different with your avocados, then many chefs in Málaga have come up with a host of interesting and innovative avocado recipes.
The pizzeria Gastro Cortijo Benítez, in Coín, makes a delicious, locally sourced avocado pizza. According to restaurant owner Salvador Macías, "the dough is made with a base of wheat flour, wholemeal spelt, durum wheat semolina and activated charcoal of vegetable origin, an ingredient recognised for its capacity to improve digestion and reduce the sensation of heaviness. The base is finished with roasted aubergine, fresh onion, mozzarella cheese, a light garlic sauce, grated Guadalhorce Valley lemon zest and, of course, pieces of avocado."
Light grilled avocado is on the menu at Kütral, in Ronda. This is a healthy but hearty dish that chef Martín Abramzon describes as comprising a "soup of previously grilled corn. Then, we cut the avocado in two and grill it, dipping it in chimichurri — an Argentinean sauce made with parsley and spices — so that it smokes. Finally, we present it with a pipirrana of peppers, rocket and grated payoya goat's cheese."
In Marbella, Leña also cooks grilled avocado, but this time it's served with coriander pesto, vegetable salpicón and topped with crumbled feta cheese.
Looking for something high end in Marbella? Head to the Golden Mile, where you'll find Roostiq, a restaurant best known for its excellent wine cellar and more than 500 varieties of wine. The avocado here is served alongside an organic and free-range chicken breast for a healthy and hearty dish.
Another restaurant in Marbella making the most of the local avocado harvest is Taberna. This is another high-end offering where grilled avocado is served with pink tomato caviar, fresh spring onion, toasted pine nuts, coriander leaves, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar — light but flavourful.
Finally, if it's sweets that you're craving, then try Maychoco, a small cocoa roastery in Benajarafe. This fun workshop combines creamy avocado with chocolate.
Additional uses for avocado on the Costa del Sol
So many local chefs are cooking with avocado, but other small businesses are using avocado in wonderful ways too.
La Molienda Verde is a small company based in Benalauría that turns avocados into delicious marmalade. Frutas Montosa is another small company, based in Vélez-Málaga, that uses avocados to make traditional Mexican guacamole but with a Spanish twist.
La Alquería de la Sierra makes honey from beehives located near avocado tree flowers to create avocado honey. And Axarfruit makes AvoCheese, a rich sauce made by blending avocado with goat's cheese. The innovation and array of dishes created with this wonderful local fruit really is outstanding.
Are you thinking of taking the plunge and moving to Spain? Want to eat delicious avocados straight from the source? If you've always dreamt of relocating but don't know where to start, then our local property experts are perfectly placed to help you find the Spanish property of your dreams. Why not get in touch today?
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