Self Health Pages

The Essential Nutrients, Vitamins and Minerals Found in Avocado Fruit

The avocado fruit is indeed a treat when made into a shake alongside milk, ice, sugar and small amount of water. If you are fond of avocados consider yourself lucky since this versatile fruit is truly loaded with immense nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are very useful to one’s health.

The introduction of the avocado in Europe.

The word avocado is derived from the Aztec’s ahuacatl. The Spanish conquerors during the 16^th century were startled when they see for the first time this wonderful fruit. Its flesh was squashy and has a creamy texture.

The avocados’ inception in the European continent was in 1519, by Martin Fernandez de Enciso. De Enciso first spotted the fruit in a place that is now called Santa Marta, Colombia, during their first voyage to South America. During this expedition the conquistadores also tried other produce such as cacao (where chocolates are made from), corn and the potato.

At present this awesome fruit is planted in various countries such as Australia, Israel, Kenya, New Zealand, North and South America and the Philippines, where the temperature is moderate.

The varieties of avocados.

There are many kinds of avocados, and its size may vary from a 2 inches to as large as a medium-sized melons. It has a variety of colors too from green to dark purple, and the peel can be coarse and delicate, whilst the other types can be thin and smooth. A flowering avocado tree may yield thousands of buttery blooms. Nevertheless, only one for every 5,000 flowers will grow to be an avocado.

The nutritional value of avocados.

Avocados are rich in protein, riboflavin, niacin, potassium and vitamin C. Indeed this consummate fruit is versatile as it contains 11 vitamins and 14 minerals.

Avocados added to tortillas would make a complete meal in the Central America. Its fat content is at par best with that of the olive oil, since both have monounsaturated fats. The oil found in avocados is utilized in making soaps and cosmetics.

The avocado tree is multipurpose.

Like the coconut tree, which has a lot of uses, avocado tree is not to be outdone. The wood can be employed as a fuel; the pit or seed is used in the southern part of the Americas for clothing markings. In the Philippines, the leaves are made into tea. Alas the bark of the tree can be made to tan leather.

When to discern or know if the avocado is ripe?

To know whether the avocados are ripe is not by looking at the color of the skin since this fruit has various varieties. Simply gently squeeze the fruit, and when it is to some extent soft, the fruit is ripe already.

Some useful tips with avocado.

Avocados are best kept in tepid yet airy places. If the fruit is not yet ripe you can help the ripening process of the fruits by wrapping it in newspaper. The avocados should be kept in a fridge when it is opened. Sprinkle the exposed part of the fruit with some lemon juice to avoid its pulp from becoming brown in color.

Ways and ideas to prepare and serve avocados?

Avocados are best eaten with citrus fruits and even tomatoes. Its taste may be improved with a piquant dressing. Furthermore, avocados can form a succulent treat with combined with mouthwatering seafood like shrimp, lobster and crab in numerous types of salads. Avocados can also go well with other fruits to have a refreshing shake or juice drinks.

The Latino Favorite

Avocados when pounded with different types of spices and other spices will make a great spread to your crackers. This awesome fruit is the main ingredient in what of the Latinos favorite, that is the guacamole, that also contains tomatoes, onions, green peppers and spices. Avocados, which should be added last, can also be a part of some dish.

Parting words…

Although in many parts of the world avocados may be considered as rare, but once you tasted this fantastic fruit you will not only experience its creamy taste but this will also give you a boosts in terms of its valuable nutritional content.