Facts about the Avocado

Have you ever found yourself, in the middle of the grocery store, staring down the green and bumpy skinned fruit known as the Avocado? You may have tried it before, but don’t know much about it or how to prepare one. Let’s learn about the amazing Avocado.

The Avocado, also known as the Alligator Pear, is shaped like a pear and has rough green to brownish-green skin. It has light green flesh and a large round seed. The Avocado is classified as a fruit and seems to have originated from South America. Now, it is cultivated in South America, Central America, Asia, and Africa. Although the Avocado is very high in fat, it is still very nutritional. It has sixty percent more potassium than a banana and is also high in vitamins B, E and K. Avocados have more protein and fiber than any other fruit. The Hass avocado is the most commonly grown variety, though there are nearly 100 different Avocado varieties. The Hass Avocado was named after Rudolph Hass, a postman, who patented the first tree in 1935. The first Hass Avocado tree is still alive and producing fruit today.

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Preparation of the Avocado

Taking your knife cut the Avocado around lengthwise from top to bottom and back to the top. Your knife should go into the flesh until you can feel the seed all the way around, but do not attempt to cut the fruit completely in half. Now, simply twist the Avocado and pull the two halves apart. Next, you need to remove the seed. Put the half with the seed on the counter and hit the seed with the sharp edge of your knife. Twist and pull the seed out. If you try to pull the seed out with your fingers you will find it very difficult and end up squashing the Avocado flesh and making a big green mess. Now, you are almost done! Slice the flesh inside the skin and use a spoon to scoop the flesh out. The Avocado is most commonly used to make the base for guacamole and as an addition to many Mexican dishes. However, in Indonesia, Vietnam, Brazil and India the Avocado is used to make milk shakes. It is most commonly eaten raw on top of hamburgers, sandwiches, and salads as well as a filling for sushi, but it can also be cooked. Enjoy this unique and tasty fruit!

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