Lifestyle
Food & Nutrition
Fitness
Avocados are one of the most controversial foods out there—people seem to have strong feelings about them, whether they love them or hate them. But there are plenty of reasons why you should both love and hate avocados, as you’ll see in this article.
What are avocados?
The avocado, or alligator pear, is a fatty fruit that grows on an evergreen tree native to Mexico. Ripe avocados have a rich green color, soft texture, and buttery flavor, which makes them incredibly versatile in cooking—from use in guacamole to mashed avocado served with toast. While healthy fats are important for maintaining good health and are great for those looking to lose weight, avocados contain 25 grams of fat per serving—making them higher in fat than most vegetables but lower in sugar. If you’re trying to slim down or maintain your weight it’s best to keep servings of avocado moderate because it does contain a considerable amount of calories.
How to choose an avocado
No doubt you’ve heard that avocado toast is a thing, but if you’re new to the club, let me break it down for you. It’s like bread, but in a shape that works great for topping with fruit, spices, and sauce or eating on its own. An added bonus? It’s super Instagrammable! While I am personally a fan of avocados on my sandwich or in my soup or salad, I’m not an advocate of them being enjoyed only as a breakfast staple. From smashed avocados to desserts made with avocado ice cream—there are more ways to enjoy avocado than just slathered on toast.
How do you cut an avocado?
This is a very serious question. In fact, it’s one of life’s great mysteries. Are you supposed to go around it or through it? If you can go through it, why do we keep going around it? I don’t know, but people are still debating it. One person insists that you cut an avocado in half and then twist out a wedge with your hands; another says to use a knife and slice off pieces; yet another says you scoop out all of its insides before taking an ice cream scoop and removing what remains. This isn’t just an American thing, either.
The health benefits of avocados
Although avocado nutrition does have benefits, you should know that avocados are high in calories, so if you’re trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, it might be a good idea to reduce your intake of avocados. If you do enjoy avocados on occasion, there are some health benefits of avocados to keep in mind. For example, avocado is rich in potassium and monounsaturated fats which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk for heart disease. Additionally, research has shown that avocados may help promote eye health by reducing the risk for macular degeneration.
How do you store avocados?
The best way to store avocados is in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. Putting an avocado stem-side down and covering it loosely with plastic wrap will help you keep it fresh for at least a few days longer than if you just place it on your counter. If you’re planning to eat or cook with your avocado within a day or two, storing them in a closed paper bag will help keep them firm and prevent browning. The same rules apply to any type of fruit that’s ripe and ready to eat; store bananas, apples, pears, and more in similar conditions for maximum freshness.
Guacamole recipes
While avocados can be a tasty and healthy addition to many dishes, many people dislike their texture. Guacamole recipes are great for masking and/or altering that texture. This is a great tip for avocado-haters who want to add avocado to their diet, but don’t want it to stand out as much as it usually does in recipes like salad dressings. Here are some guacamole recipes you might enjoy trying at home.
These recipes take avocado from a boring side dish to a delicious meal by pairing it with other ingredients or making it into dips or spreads. They are also three of our favorite ways to eat avocado on their own, so feel free to double up on your favorite recipe!
Mango Salsa – For a sweet taste with a little kick, try adding mango salsa to your next batch of guacamole. Cilantro and jalapeno bring a bit of spice while lime juice brightens everything up with a tangy flavor.
Peach Salsa – A sweet dip with spicy undertones, peach salsa is perfect if you love bold flavors.
Pineapple Guacamole – If you’re looking for something a little sweeter than your average avocado recipe, pineapple guacamole may be just what you need.
How can I save money on avocados?
When you eat avocados regularly, it’s easy to spend a small fortune on them. While you could buy avocados at your local grocery store all year long, you might save a good chunk of change by waiting until they go on sale locally in late summer. Buy a few cases then freeze them so they last through most of winter and spring. Frozen avocados can be used just like fresh ones, especially if they’re still frozen when you put them in your morning smoothie or guacamole recipe.
What if I don’t like avocados?
If you don’t like avocados, it’s easy to dismiss them as healthy food. But even if you don’t enjoy eating avocado on toast or in guacamole, consider adding them to your diet by using them as a substitute for higher-calorie foods. For example, if you usually cook with mayonnaise, try using avocado instead. If you typically bake your chicken with butter and oil, replace half of that with avocado. By replacing some of your unhealthy fats with a healthy one—avocado—you can reduce your overall calorie intake without sacrificing flavor or texture in your recipes.
