Avocados are originally from the Americas, specifically thought to have originated in the highlands bridging south-central Mexico and Guatemala. They were first domesticated in Mesoamerica more than 5,000 years ago, with evidence of consumption dating back around 9,000 to 10,000 years ago in regions such as the Tehuacan Valley in Mexico and northern coastal Peru

. Mexico is the leading producer of avocados today, supplying about 29% of the global harvest. The Mexican states of Michoacán, México, Morelos, Nayarit, and Puebla are major growing areas, with Michoacán being particularly notable for year-round avocado cultivation

. Avocado trees were introduced to the United States in the 19th century, first planted in Florida in 1833 and then in California in 1856. California now accounts for the majority of U.S. avocado production, followed by Florida and Hawaii

. In summary, avocados come from Mexico and Central America originally and are now widely cultivated in warm climates around the world, with Mexico being the largest producer by far