Avocados
Avocados are healthy nutrient filled fruits, filled with heart healthy benefits and great nutrition.
Avocados are known for their delicious smooth taste and texture. They contain healthy monounsaturated fats. These are the fats that are great for heart health. Oleic acid, is the monounsaturated fat found to lower LDL cholesterol. Avocados are rich in many healthy nutrients including fiber, folate, vitamin k, and potassium. There are many types of avocados all with different tastes, textures and uses. The US is known for using avocados most commonly in guacamole dip. Other contries such as the Philippines eat avocados daily in shakes, while places like Brazil use them in a avocado ice cream dessert.
Uses, Storing & Ripening
Avocados are best enjoyed when they are ripe. They should slightly depress to pressure but not be mushy or too firm. If the avocado is hard and firm it is best used when you ripen it. You can simply put the avocado fruit on your kitchen counter or in a brown bag to aid the ripening process. If a avocado is very hard and firm and you need it ripe faster include an apple in the brown bag for a quicker ripening process.
Types of Avocados
There are many varieties of avocados the most common used in the US is the Hass avocado which is used often in guacamole dip. Other common firmer varieties include the Fuerte and Bacon Avocado, which are great sliced as a topper to any meal, great on soups, salads, sandwiches, or simply eaten plain.
Great Simple Ways to Enjoy Avocados
I enjoy avocados sliced in half with fresh home made lemon herb dressing. These are easily eaten with a spoon and make a super healthy and nutritious snack or appetizer, on the go or at home. Another simple way to eat them is chopped up in a bowl with tomatoes, and onions, and then drizzled with fresh herb dressing for topping sprouted grain bread. This also makes a great filling nutritious snack without a lot of work.
