Avocado is a large berry which contains only one seed. The avocado tree is native to Central Mexico. It is a pear shaped fruit which is about 7 cm wide and 20 cm long. It is commonly used in Mexican cuisine. A Mexican dip called guacamole is made using avacados. It is an expensive nutritious fruit. They are green skinned and have a fleshy body. It is used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It has a slight bitter taste. Avocado is vulnerable to many bacterial,viral and fungal diseases thus it should be picked very carefully.
Usage
may be used as a bread spread, is used in salads, sandwiches, burgers, dips. it is a popular ingredient in a variety of cosmetics. It is often used in non-culinary creams for facials and body massages due to its cleansing ability and is completely biodegradable.
Avocado shake is very popular as well as it is known to be a vitamin (A & E) rich drink.
Nutritional Value
It is known to treat diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. It has a high level of potassium. It has quite a high fat content.
Medical and skincare experts especially recommend the consumption of avocado juice to those struggling with dull, lack luster skin. It's also a great natural remedy to relieve dry skin.
Avocados provide a rich combination of Vitamins C and E, zinc carotenoids, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids helps guard against inflammation.
A normal sized Avocado typically contains:
1. 250 calories
2. 20g of fat
3. Nearly 20 nutrients
4. No bad cholesterol
Types
The most common types are: Bacon, Fuerte, Gwen, Hass, Pinkerton, Reed, and Zutano, with many chefs having a particular preference for the Hass variety.
Tips
A firm avocado will ripen in a paper bag or in a fruit basket at room temperature within a few days. As the fruit ripens, the skin will turn darker. Avocados should not be refrigerated until they are ripe. Once ripe, they can be kept refrigerated for up to a week.
Did you know?
Avocado is a climacteric fruit i.e it matures on the tree but ripens off the tree. They are picked when they are hard and green and stored at a temperature of about 3 degree celsius until they reach their final destination.