Avocados and Avocado Toast

Avocados

Avocado toast has become a staple dish in most homes. Here are ways that you can experiment with your avocado toast to make it unique and interesting again. We have become the ones that order the avocado toast if it is on the menu, no matter what! It is fun to see the different takes people have on avocado toast and the food the Chefs choose to pair with it. I have seen many out there toppings such as candied orange peel and zucchini! You have the base, avocado and toast, and add what you enjoy on top. I am not one to adventure out of my comfort zone, but we have some wild pairings that will take your taste buds for a delicious adventure.

What is an Avocado?

We all know what an avocado looks like and tastes like, but what is it really? A vegetable or a fruit? As it may surprise you it is a fruit, some even say berry. Most commonly called avocado, it is also known as an alligator pear, butter fruit, or fertility fruit.

Avocados have a smooth and creamy green texture when ripe. Their flavor profile is earthy and nutty. Its mild and creamy texture make it a perfect match for foods that have more dominant or spicy flavors.

Where do these delectable fruits come from you may wonder? They are found in tropical or subtropical climates (they need LOTS of sun), think Mexico, California, or Florida. These trees can become large, up to 60 feet tall and 35 feet wide. Trees were first seen in Mexico, then when conquered by the Spaniards to Spain. Once the new world was discovered they were brought to the U.S.. Avocados are grown in California, Hawaii, and Florida.

History of Avocados

Ten thousand years ago in South Central Mexico is when scientists believe avocados first started being consumed. Five thousand years later is when the avocado was first domesticated. Avocados not only fed the people but also the thought that they were magical. The Aztecs believed that avocados were an aphrodisiac. It was also believed that avocados gave the person who ate it strength. With the Spanish Conquest the avocados were introduced to Europe.

By 1833 avocados had made it to America. They were first planted in Florida, but were also seen in California and Hawaii. Most of the public did not gravitate towards avocados either due to their aphrodisiac properties or the fat content (although it is a good fat). With the increase in knowledge about nutrition and the craving for Avocado Toast the avocado is here to stay.

Ripe vs Unripe

Do you ever walk into a grocery store and see a pile of avocados and do not know which are ripe? Well ripe avocados have a bumpy skin with a nice deep green color for the skin. When you are holding it and putting gentle, yet firm pressure the avocado should give a little. This is the sign that the avocado is ripe and ready to eat.

If it is underripe the avocado skin will be a light green with a smooth texture. The avocado is hard as a rock when pressure is applied, not giving at all. The opposite is true for an overripe avocado. These avocado skins are black and have a huge indentation when gentle pressure is used. This is usually a sign the avocado is black on the inside.

Health Benefits of Avocados

Avocados are high in Oleic acid, which is the monounsaturated fat or the good fats. This type of fat Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and bad fats in your body. Avocado oil is liquid at room temperature which is a sign that it is monounsaturated fat.

Avocados contain two types of carotenoids that help increase the sharpness in your eyesight, which helps to slow macular degeneration. When this happens it helps with reading.

Avocados are also a good source of fiber and the following vitamins: