Avocados, that most Mexican of fruit, are a multi-billion dollar industry.

Guacamole is popular all year long, but it increases at Super Bowl time.

It's an easy dip, and it's healthier for you than, say, ranch.

It's growing a popularity across the country.

They're made into guacamole.

They show up on hipster toast.

They get turned into smoothies and ice cream.

We're just enjoyed by themselves, sprinkled with some hipster toast, they get turned into smoothies and ice cream, or just

enjoyed by themselves, sprinkled with some salt.

Ooh, kela.

But in recent years, avocados have also become a main ingredient in something no one would

have ever imagined for the humble fruit.

The U.S. government has suspended all imports of Mexican avocados after a U.S.

plant safety inspector in Mexico received a threat.

They're now a big part of narco violence.

I'm Gustavo Riano. You're listening to The Times, Daily News from the L.A. Times. It's Thursday, February 24, 2022.

After a week-long suspension, the ban on Mexican avocados has been lifted.

The U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, says the decision came after Mexico and the U.S.

agreed to enact measures that ensure the safety of agricultural inspectors.

But if the Mexican government can't get organized crime out of its avocado industry,

the U.S. government will most likely ban imports again.

So today, we talk about our dependence on Mexican avocados,

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