Avocado

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

The avocado is a plant of the laurel family. Avocados originated in southern Mexico, but have been grown from the Rio Grande to central Peru since before Europeans arrived. It is believed to have been known to the Maya and Aztecs 8,000 years ago. Its name comes from the Nahuatl language and literally means testicles due to the similarity of the avocado with these anatomical organs.

Avocados were brought to Europe in the 17th century by the Spaniards. Today, the largest producers are considered to be Brazil, Colombia, the United States, Indonesia and Mexico.

The acquaintances types of avocados are: Guatemalan, Mexican and West Indian. Hybrid forms exist in all three species. Despite a number of hesitations the avocado is considered a fruit, not vegetables.

Growing avocados

Avocados grow well in areas with mild climates. West Indian varieties thrive in humid tropical climates and freeze at 0 degrees. Guatemalan species are accustomed to growing cooler, at high altitudes and are hardy at -2 degrees. Mexican species are accustomed to growing on dry, subtropical plateaus and thrive in Mediterranean climates. They are durable at -5 degrees.

Avocados need protection in strong winds, which can easily break the branches of the fruit tree. Avocado trees I can't survive in soil with a bad drainage system. The trees grow well on the slopes of a hill and should never be planted in a streambed. They are tolerant to acidic or alkaline soils. The time to harvest avocados depends on the variety. Marketing standards require the fruit to reach 8% oil content before harvest.

Mexican species ripen 6 to 8 months after flowering, while Guatemalan species usually harvest 12 to 18 months. The fruits can continue to grow on the tree, even after ripening. Purple species must reach their full color before they can be harvested.

Guatemalan species can be stored fresh at 15-20 degrees for up to six weeks. Mexican species discolor quickly and require immediate consumption.

The avocado is a thick, evergreen tree that produces many leaves in early spring. It develops rapidly with age and can reach 13 meters. Grafted plants usually bear fruit within one to two years, compared to the 8 to 20 years required for seedling production.

Avocado flowers appear in January - March, and the final inflorescences contain from 200 to 300 small yellow-green flowers. Each inflorescence produces only one to three fruits. West Indian types of avocados produce huge, smooth, round, shiny, green fruits that are low in oil and weigh up to 2 kg. In Guatemalan species, the fruit is medium-sized, ovoid or pear-shaped, with a rough rind and reaches a blackish-green color when ripe. The fruits of Mexican varieties are small, with a thin rind, turning glossy green or black when ripe.

The inside of the avocado is green near the skin, the kata becomes yellowish on the inside, near the inedible ovoid seeds. The avocado is firm when freshly picked, but then softens to an oily texture. Avocados are not subjected to heat treatment because they start to burn.

Composition of avocado

The biochemical composition of avocado is more reminiscent of nuts than fruit. Avocados provide the body with protein in an amount that can easily replace meat and cheese in a person's daily diet.

Avocados are a good source of iron, zinc, potassium and magnesium, vitamins B1, B2, B6, A, PP, E. 100 grams of avocado contains 218 calories. It is also rich in plant proteins, oleic acid, dietary fiber, digestible fats and about 2% carbohydrates. Nutritional value - 212 kcal per 100g. The leaves contain essential oils and trace elements.

Selection and storage of avocados

You will recognize the well-ripened avocado by its deep green color. Its bark is shiny, without cracks, black spots and dry areas. Unripe avocados can ripen placed in a pan at room temperature for about a week. When the avocado ripens well, its skin begins to darken gradually. Green avocados should not still be stored in the refrigerator. Ripe avocados can be stored in the refrigerator for up to about two weeks. It is best to store sliced avocado with the peel. In order not to brown on top, it is necessary to sprinkle it with lemon juice. Even if it darkens, don't worry, because it is still edible. If you don't like it, just cut the brown part with a knife. Sliced avocados can also be placed in a plastic bag and kept in the refrigerator.

If you want to freeze the avocado, you need to make it a mess. Cut it in half, remove the bone and scrape the meat with a spoon. Knead it well and distribute in ice cube trays. Once frozen, remove the tins and store in the freezer in a plastic bag. So you can save the avocado up to 3 months.

Culinary use of avocado

Photo: Iliana Parvanova

Before you enjoy the taste of avocado, you should know that avocado is consumed only raw. If subjected to heat treatment, it begins to bitter.

Fresh avocado is very tasty in purees, sandwiches and fish garnishes. Steamed avocados can be eaten with nuts and vegetables. The mashed avocado is part of the notorious Guacamole sauce. Salad with chicken or shrimp with chopped avocado is a very tasty and exotic temptation. Avocado goes perfectly with toast and vegetable meatballs. Avocado is part of many exotic salads, lettuce or plain salad with tomatoes and oregano.

In America, avocado is used to make ice cream, and in Indonesia it is even used for cocktails, but in our country it is still not so popular. In addition, avocado is a great addition to sauces, soups, ham and seafood. If you decide, you can just spread it on a slice and salt it.

Benefits of avocado

The oil content of avocados is second only to olives, and sometimes even higher. The biochemical composition of avocados provides enough protein to completely replace meat and cheese in the daily diet.

Clinical studies show that avocado oil can lower blood cholesterol. Avocado leaf seeds and extracts are used for various medical purposes, including the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery and as an antibiotic.

Avocado is used in the treatment of diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular, eye, kidney, liver and bile diseases, ulcers, gastritis and anemia. It boosts metabolism, acts against tumors and cancers and strengthens the immune system. It has a positive effect on the nervous system and psyche. It is also useful for women, as it regulates the menstrual cycle. In short - the tropical fruit has "cures" for almost all diseases.

Because avocado is very rich in antioxidants and minerals, it becomes a miraculous fruit that, in addition to health benefits, increases tone and prolongs youth.

Benefits of avocado for women

For the fairer sex, the avocado is an indispensable helper and ally. This ingredient is actively used in cosmetics and in dietary nutrition. Due to its high content of vitamin E, the oil is often used in the production of creams and face masks, as well as in hair conditioners. Many women who have used avocado remedies report that wrinkles are reduced, the skin is cleansed, elasticity is increased and dark circles under the eyes are visibly reduced.

Avocado oil is used and as a base. It has a neutral scent and easily penetrates the epidermis. Fights well with flaking and inflammation of the skin, giving radiance and a healthy complexion.

It is often added to nail and hand care products, anti-cellulite products, soaps and lipsticks. Along with this, avocados are actively added to the diet by people who want to lose weight and lead a healthy lifestyle. It gives a feeling of satiety and at the same time does not saturate the body with excess fat. Normalizes metabolism and processes in the body. Helps fight excess weight and tightens the skin.

Benefits of avocado for men

It is especially useful for the stronger sex, who actively play sports and do some power sports. Thanks to the L-carnitine contained in avocados in large quantities increases endurance and concentration during active exercise, such as running, swimming, bodybuilding and others.

Avocados help not only in the fight against excess weight. It is also useful for building muscle mass, as it is rich in protein. They are the basis in the construction of muscle fibers, actively involved in the transport of oxygen, vitamins and hormones in the body.

The benefits of avocado for reproductive function in men have also been proven. Regular consumption helps increase potency, increases sperm activity and the chance of conceiving a child.

Folic acid, which is contained in it, is no less useful for men, as it prevents the development of prostate cancer and improves sperm quality. That is why avocado extract is often included in various medications to maintain potency, treat prostatitis and prostate adenoma.

Avocado damage

There are no specific contraindications for its use and that is why it is so often used in the preparation of food or cosmetics. However, in some cases it may harm:

1. In case of allergy and individual intolerance;

2. With regular use of avocado in large quantities, the natural intestinal microflora is disturbed and dyspeptic disorders in the form of belching and nausea are possible;

3. It should not be given to children under 2 years of age, as avocados can cause an allergic reaction. This is due to the still undeveloped immunity and in this case the glycoprotein can be perceived as foreign to the child's body.

It is important to gradually introduce it into the menu in case of allergy to citrus, as this fruit is also exotic. At the beginning it is taken in very small portions and only after the absence of side effects is established, the amount can be increased. In case of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, you should consult a doctor beforehand, as this may have a negative effect on digestion.

People with diabetes should not abuse avocados because of their carbohydrate content - about 9 g for every 100 g. This also applies in the case of diagnosed gout, as every 100 g contains about 10% of the daily protein intake. An excess of them can provoke an exacerbation of the disease.

See more recipes with avocado, our most delicious avocado salads, and if you are expecting guests, you can welcome them with a snack with avocado.