How Millions Tons of Avocados Are Harvested and Process into Bioplastic – Avocado Process Technology

Summary

This video takes viewers on a journey to explore the multifaceted value of avocados, from their initial growth on farms to their numerous by-products like avocado oil, cosmetics, and eco-friendly bioplastics. After the harvesting process, fresh avocados undergo thorough cleaning and preparation to meet market demands. The video also delves into how avocado seeds and skins are repurposed for oil extraction and bioplastic production, contributing to environmental sustainability. Additionally, it highlights the importance of humane farming practices when producing civet coffee, emphasizing both the ecological and ethical implications of these farming methods.

Takeaways

• 😀 Avocados are considered a superfood due to their exceptional nutritional value and creamy flavor, with annual consumption reaching tens of millions of tons worldwide.
• 😀 The first avocados are ready for harvest after 3 to 4 years of care, and farmers typically harvest them manually, especially for low or easily reachable trees.
• 😀 After harvesting, avocados undergo a thorough washing process to remove dirt and impurities before proceeding to further stages of production.
• 😀 In avocado processing, the seed is discarded, and the flesh is kept intact and pureed for various avocado-based products.
• 😀 Beyond fresh consumption, avocados are highly versatile and can be processed into products like avocado oil, cosmetics, and even bioplastics.
• 😀 Avocado skins and seeds are not wasted, as they hold high economic value and are used to produce avocado oil and bioplastics.
• 😀 Bioplastics made from avocados are eco-friendly and help reduce traditional plastic waste, contributing to environmental sustainability.
• 😀 Civets are carefully nurtured on farms, where they are kept warm and protected for the first few weeks of their growth, with their diet consisting of finely ground fish.
• 😀 Civet fur, after proper care and processing, can be bleached or dyed into various colors, with an emphasis on reducing the stress of the animals during the fur harvesting process.
• 😀 In addition to fur, civet feces can be used to produce the highly sought-after product known as civet coffee, although concerns exist about the ethical treatment of civets in coffee production.

Q & A

What is the avocado referred to in the script, and why?

The avocado is referred to as a 'golden superfood' because of its exceptional nutritional value and rich, creamy flavor, making it a highly sought-after agricultural product in tropical and subtropical countries.

How are avocados typically harvested?

Avocados are typically harvested manually by hand, especially when the trees are low or easily reachable, after about 3 to 4 years of care.

What happens to the avocado after it is harvested?

After harvesting, the avocados are thoroughly washed to remove dirt and dust, then processed by removing the seed and skin. The flesh is then pureed for various products.

What are some of the uses for avocado seeds and skins?

Avocado seeds and skins are not waste products. They are finely ground to extract avocado oil, which has economic value and is used in different industries.

How is avocado oil used in production?

Avocado oil is extracted from the seeds and skins and is used to produce bioplastics, which are molded into various shapes through an injection molding process, contributing to environmental protection by reducing plastic waste.

What is the environmental benefit of avocado bioplastics?

Avocado bioplastics are produced from renewable resources, which helps to reduce traditional plastic waste and contributes to environmental sustainability.

What is the role of civets in the production of coffee?

Civets are used to produce a unique product called civet coffee. The process begins with harvesting ripe coffee cherries, which are then processed with the help of civets.

How are civet furs processed and used?

Civet furs are carefully harvested, sometimes bleached or dyed, and then processed to make various products such as coats. The fur is carefully cleaned and packaged for sale.

What concerns are raised about the conservation of civet species?

The script raises concerns about the conservation of civet species, particularly the stress, health deterioration, and reduced reproductive abilities caused by continuous coffee production, highlighting the need for humane farming practices.

How can farmers ensure a natural living environment for civets?

Farmers can adopt humane farming models that allow civets to live in a natural environment, ensuring their well-being and reducing stress while maintaining ethical production practices.