Fruits play a fundamental role in Hispanic cuisine, from traditional desserts to sauces for main dishes. His culinary versatility has been a determining factor in his outstanding presence in Hispanic gastronomy.
Among the best-selling Hispanic fruits, bananas, strawberries, pineapples, mangoes, and blueberries stand out as their favorites, further consolidating their popularity among consumers throughout 2023.
Please keep reading and find out which ones they are.
TABLA DE CONTENIDOS
1.Bananas
2.Strawberries
3.Pineapple
4.Mango
5.Blueberry
1.BANANAS
The high consumption of bananas among Hispanics can be attributed to factors beyond their simple availability and accessibility. Undoubtedly, it is one of the preferred fruits of Hispanics, if not the main one.
The preference for this fruit is supported by its versatility in the kitchen and its notable nutritional benefits.
In 2023, the leading exporters of bananas to the United States were Guatemala, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, and Mexico.
These five countries contributed jointly to an impressive % of the total volume of fresh bananas imported.
2.STRAWBERRIES
Strawberries, on the other hand, stand out for their wide availability, being easily accessible in supermarkets and local markets, which facilitates their incorporation into the diet of the Hispanic population.
In addition to their accessibility, strawberries are a rich source of essential nutrients such as vitamin C, manganese, folic acid, and potassium.
Their culinary versatility allows them to be integrated into gastronomy, whether through fresh salads, irresistible desserts, sauces, refreshing drinks, or, of course, in the classic tamales and empanadas.
In 2022, the United States managed to commercialize a total of 2.32 billion pounds of strawberries.
However, during 2023, this figure experienced an increase, reaching a total of 2.36 billion pounds, representing an increase of 1.5%.
This past year stood out as the period with the highest volume market in the last five years.
3.PINEAPPLE
The presence of pineapple among Hispanics’ favorite fruits is a reflection of the amalgamation of culinary preferences, the pursuit of healthy eating habits, and the ingrained influence of cultural traditions.
This fruit remains available throughout the year in supermarkets, becoming a constant option for families.
In 2023, 87% of the pineapples consumed in American households originated from Costa Rica.
This country experienced a 5.4% increase in its pineapple exports to the United States compared to the previous year.
In this context, it is interesting to note that, despite the growing demand, American consumers found themselves paying a maximum price nationally of $3.35 for each pineapple, while the minimum price remained at $2.13.
This variability in costs suggests dynamism in the pineapple market, influenced by factors such as supply and demand, weather conditions, and agricultural practices.
4.MANGO
On the other hand, the mango, a delicious delicacy among Hispanics’ favorite fruits, maintained a total import of 1.255 billion pounds in 2023, experiencing a 0.44% increase compared to the previous year.
However, a 39% decrease in the volume marketed was observed during the last quarter of the year, in contrast to the same period in 2022.
This decrease can be attributed mainly to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon in the regions of Ecuador and Peru.
During August, in the Cerecita region of Ecuador, one of the main mango-producing areas, temperatures of up to 93°F were recorded.
This contrasts with the maximum temperatures reached during the same period in 2022, which were 84°F.
These extreme climatic changes negatively impacted mango production and trade.
5.BLUEBERRY
Blueberries, due to their notable nutritional benefits, such as their high content of vitamin C and phytonutrients, have a special place among Hispanics’ favorite fruits.
More and more people are seeking to incorporate this fruit into their daily diet, whether enjoying it in smoothies, yogurts, cereal bars, or baked goods. Additionally, it cannot be overlooked that it has become one of the favorite snacks for children in families.
However, towards the end of the year, the availability of blueberries was affected by the impact of the El Niño phenomenon, especially in Peru, one of the countries most affected by drought and high temperatures.
This impact was reflected in the prices of Peruvian blueberries at the border of Philadelphia, which reached historical levels in November.
Maximum prices reached $55, more than triple the full price recorded in 2022, which was $16.
As we can see, the consumption of these five fruits continued to rise in 2023 despite the climatic challenges some of them faced.
These fruits have become ingrained on the tables of Hispanic families, becoming indispensable elements.
It is worth noting that, in Hispanic culture, offering fruits is considered a custom and a significant gesture of kindness and generosity.
Sharing a fresh fruit thus becomes a beautiful expression of affection and concern for others.
