About the size and shape of a big pear, remains green even when ripe. It has a flesh that is soft and buttery in texture, yet has somewhat of a nutty flavor. Yes…it is the avocado! If you have been a long time reader…you already know I LOVE avocados! It’s name, avocado, is from the Aztec word ahuacatl.
The avocado first arrived on the scene in Europe in 1519 when Martin de Encisco brought it back with him during his first expedition to South America. He also introduced some other of my faves to the Europeans at the time…in particular chocolate!!
The avocado grows in a number of areas today where the climate is warm such as North and South America, the Philippians and Australia to name just a few. I for one am tankful to be able to have them also grown locally where I am thanks to the wonderful invention of the greenhouse.
The nutritional value of the avocado is outstanding! It is high in vitamin c, potassium and protein to name just a few. When you serve an avocado with a a tortilla some cultures even consider this a meal all by itself because of the nutrition found in the avocado.
There are a variety of avocados and because of this its important to know how to pick one out when buying them. The color of the skin will vary so you want to look for a slightly soft fruit…this will indicate it is ripe. That is what you want. At home store them in a warm and well ventilated area. If the fruit needs to be ripened a bit more, you can help the process by wrapping them in a paper bag. After they have been cut open you can sprinkle the open side with a bit of lemon juice or covering tightly with plastic wrap to stall the browning process of the “meat”.
The avocado may already play an important role in your diet today. If not why not give it a try? This fruit is a truly versatile fruit that not only wallops a nutritional punch but is tasty as well.
For more reading check out Ode to the Avocado!
Ready to try some recipes?
- Spinach Avocado Salad
- Potato Pancakes With Avocado Mash and Eggs
- Chilled Double Chocolate Torte
- Gazpacho with Avocado
- Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes
Tell me…how do you use your avocados?!
Oh and in case you were wondering…the avocado is a fruit!
Until Next Time…
Trish
I eat a lot of different types of fruits and veggies. In fact, I come across so few people who eat as many different types as I do.. but I just have never warmed to the avocado. When I was struggling to get good fat into my diet I seriously looked at it.. but decided to eat sardines instead :)
ReplyDeleteOh hmmm see I just could not eat sardines!! =)
DeleteI love avocados!! I consider it a savory ingredient even if it's scientifically a fruit haha.
ReplyDeleteHa ha me too!!!
DeleteThanks for sending the link to your post about avocados! So glad you love avocados! We've been growing them on our family farm for over 40 years. Please visit our site and watch the video about how avocados grow! http://www.CaliforniaAvocadosDirect.com
ReplyDeleteThanks! I will check it out.
Delete