Introduction
Avocado is a medium to
large evergreen tree with large, leathery, deep green leaves. It has limited
commercial value in the lower Rio Grande Valley and is often found in
landscapes across South Texas. The popularity of its fruit, particularly in
Mexican food dishes, and its tropical appearance have spurred considerable
interest in growing avocados at home.
Species :
P. americana
A little trivia:
Avocados have a long
history and heritage since being discovered and has gone from being described
as the ‘poor man’s butter’ to the King of Fruits! It has so many uses from
making delicious foods to being used to nourish and soothe the skin as a
cosmetic. This post though is going to look at the nutritious properties of
Avocado and how it can help you stay and get in great health!
The most popular variety of avocado
was discovered by a postman named Rudolph Hass. The original tree can still be
found growing in La Habra, California. You can grow your own tree by trimming a
tiny sliver off both ends of an avocado pit, covering it two-thirds in damp
soil (large end down), watering well, and placing a drinking glass over the pit
to keep moisture in. The pit may take a while to split, but once it does, cover
the exposed part with soil. Once the plant reaches six inches in height, trim
the top two inches, which should force lower growth and keep your plant hearty.
What they look like?
Most varieties of avocado
are oval- or round-shaped with thick, rough green skin. Depending on the type,
avocados can range from three ounces to four pounds.
Nutritional info
One cup of sliced avocado
provides: 235 calories, 7 grams of fiber, 3 grams of protein, 22 grams of fat
(3.5 saturated), 15 milligrams of sodium, and 0 cholesterol.
Health benefits
While avocados are known to
be high in unsaturated fat, many believe they are worth the splurge for their
great buttery taste. They are also a good source for fiber, vitamin C and other
nutrients, such as thaimine, and riboflavin.
Selection tips
Look for fruit that is
firm, yet gives when gently squeezed. If it's still hard, it's not ready to be
eaten yet. Two medium avocados should yield about one pound, 2 1/2 cups sliced,
diced, or chopped.
Storage tips
You may refrigerate ripe
avocados until you're ready to eat them, but only for a few days. Placing an
avocado in a paper bag with an apple or banana and storing it at room
temperature will accelerate the ripening process if needed. Since cut and
exposed avocados tend to discolor quickly, experts advise you to add cubed or
sliced avocado to your dish as late as possible in the preparation process.
Adding a dash of lemon or lime juice to fresh guacamole should help prevent
discoloration.
How to eat them?
The most popular uses for
eating avocados are in guacamole and on salads, but they may also be found in
other dishes such as soup. They also make great hollowed-out "bowls"
for other dishes, including dips or seafood.
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