Credit to:
https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/13-surprising-facts-about-avocados/
We’ve definitely jumped onboard the avocado
bandwagon. Whether it’s mashed into guac or used liberally in one of our
avocado-packed recipes, there are plenty of reasons to love this oval-shaped
fruit (yes, that’s right-it’s not a vegetable!). But there’s much more to
avocados that goes beyond smashing them on toasted bread. Let’s get a handle on
this fruit.
1. Most avocados come from Mexico.
While avocados are grown in California and
Florida, the majority sold in grocery stores come from south central Mexico.
The main reason for the abundance of “south of the border” avocados is that
Mexico is blessed with a year-round growing climate. The avocado is believed to
have originated in the state of Puebla, Mexico, as far back as 10,000 B.C.
2. The conquistadors were huge fans.
Spanish explorers arriving in Mexico during
the 16th century survived on avocados and were the first Europeans to consume
them. As a result of the Spanish Conquest, avocados spread to South America and
Central America. Sadly, they had yet to learn how to make avocado toast.
3. “Avocado” wasn’t its original name.
Irishman Sir Hans Sloane called it an
avocado in 1696 in a Jamaican-plants catalog. He also dubbed the avocado tree
the “alligator pear tree.”
4. It’s relatively new to the United
States.
It wasn’t until the 1950s when Americans
turned to avocados. This makes it a relatively new food in our country. As with
most imported trends, avocados were made popular in the coastal states-Florida
and California-and Hawaii, too, before evolving into mainstream culinary
culture.
5. It’s actually a fruit.
Did you know that an avocado is a fruit?
While definitely not sweet, it falls firmly in the fruit-not the
vegetable-family. That’s because the avocado tree is part of the
flowering-plant family Lauraceae.
6. The U.S. harvest is best in the spring
and early summer.
Much like our other favourite farmers
market produce, avocados’ peak season in California is April to July, though
avocados can be found in the supermarket year-round. Their growing season
typically wraps by November.
7. Some famous celebrities are avocado
farmers.
Joining the ranks of California’s avocado
farmers are actors like Tom Selleck (whose ranch was once owned by actor Dean
Martin) and Oscar winner Jamie Foxx. Also on Foxx’s 40-acre ranch? A recording
studio!
8. There are different varieties.
Avocados’ taste and texture depend on the
region they’re from. Florida-grown avocados are lower in fat and firmer, while
Hass avocados, from Mexico, are perfect for mashing and whipping.
9. They’ve one-upped the banana.
Hard to believe, but it’s true: Avocados
have higher levels of potassium than bananas. In fact, the levels are almost
double-a single avocado contains 975 milligrams of potassium, compared to 487
milligrams in a banana. So throw avocado spears into your smoothie, why don’t
you?
10. Avocados may help lower your
cholesterol.
Trying to improve your health? Fold more
avocados into your diet. A 2015 study by the American Heart Association found
that eating an avocado daily can improve LDL cholesterol levels (that’s the bad
cholesterol) in people who struggle with obesity or are overweight.
11. The peel isn’t good for Fido.
Be sure to toss avocado remains in the
garbage (or compost). The skin and pit can be harmful, and even toxic, to cats
and dogs. However, most household pets (except birds) can nosh on the creamy
green centre and not get sick.
12. You can substitute it for butter.
In lieu of butter, many vegan bakers use
avocado to add moistness to cupcakes, cakes and other baked goods. Want to give
it a go? Keep in mind that avocados can give a green hue to the finished dish.
13. There’s a secret trick to ripening them
up quick.
Need to ripen that avocado ASAP? Place it
in a brown paper bag with a banana or two. The bananas will release ethylene
gas, a natural plant hormone that aids in ripening fruit.
https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/13-surprising-facts-about-avocados/
