Avocados are without a doubt the greatest fruit on the planet and contain more protein and fiber than any other fruit. Fruit you say? Yes, believe it or not the avocado is considered a berry. And, July 31 is National Avocado Day – a day we can all be grateful to David Fairchild, US Department of Agriculture botanist, who introduced the fruit to the USA at the start of the 20th century.
“The avocado is a food without rival among the fruits, the veritable fruit of paradise.” –Fairchild
To understand why this day should be so celebrated, look at the avocado and its magical properties. First, the avocado is a good fat. Although high in fat, the avocado is mono-unsaturated fat, which is good for your heart – the American Heart Association concurs.
It is almost impossible to walk into any decent café that does not offer smashed avocado on toast. Not only do you get over twenty nutrients from the dish but the silky-smooth texture is delicious. Prepare it at home by adding a little chili, lime juice and drizzle some extra virgin olive oil on your avocado– smash it with a fork and smear it on toast. It is that easy and tasty.
In Los Angeles (Sherman Oaks to be precise) “Sweet Butter” café has the most incredible smashed avocado toast seasoned with a secret recipe. Should the opportunity arise, it is worth going out of your way for.
Let’s not forget a favorite dish, guacamole, which originated in Mexico where archaeologists have found evidence that avocados have been growing since 800 BC. Guacamole is best served with tortilla chips (but secretly goes with everything) and almost every American has tried it. In fact, there is empirical evidence that shows the avocado reigns supreme — 53.5 million pounds of avocados— turned into guacamole—are consumed every Super Bowl Sunday.
The avocado also enjoys a starring role in a variety of body treatments; exfoliate with avocado skin, an avocado body wrap with natural yogurt, avocado moisturizing hair treatments and the popular avocado face mask. Apparently, the properties in avocado can treat sunburns, prevent chafing and even reduce wrinkles! If you want to try a mask at home it’s as simple as mixing together raw honey, yogurt and avocado.
All of this only proves one thing – the avocado is not only the greatest fruit, but also the most versatile.
