Avocados are more than guacamole
Once upon a time the innocent avocado was less than popular in polite society.
It was said the Aztecs used it as a sex stimulant, but the Conquistadores seemed to think just about everything was a sex stimulant.
It may just be that the original name, ‘ahuacatl‘, meaning ‘testicle‘, caused all the confusion. I am told that this name is because of the shape, not for any magical viagra-like effects upon the Aztecs. (Although I can’t speak for the Conquistadores).
In any case it took a huge public relations campaign to make the avocado acceptable on the family dinner table.
Avocados are packed with beneficial antioxidants and phytonutrients, including vitamin C, folate, vitamin E, fibre and unsaturated fats. They are naturally sodium-free and a healthy addition to any diet.
Nowadays we eat avacados for our health. And because they taste so good.
Beauty Aid
The avocado is also a wonderful beauty aid, rich in beneficial oils that rejuvenate our skin.
Puffy Eyes
Cut an avocado in half and take off the peel. Don’t throw the peel away in the compost just yet!
Cut the avocado flesh into crescent shapes. Lie down with a few slices under each eye and rest for 20 minutes.
Dry Skin Luxuriant
Mash half an avocado and spread evenly on your clean face. Leave it for 15 minutes and then gently rinse off with warm water.
Oil-rich Night Moisturiser
Now for that peel you didn’t throw in the compost. Apply the inside of the avacado peel to your clean face with gentle upward strokes. Leave on overnight and gently rinse your face with warm water in the morning.
More than guacamole
When it comes to cooking, Mexican guacamole is without a doubt the best-known avocado dish. But there are a lot more ways to enjoy avocados.
- Spread some on toasted rye bread with a squeeze of lime juice and black pepper
- Dice the flesh and make it into a coarse salsa with tomatoes, onion, chilli, lime and coriander
- Toss wedges gently in a salad with green leaves and a little lemon
Remember not to serve avocado with heavy sauces, cream and cheese. It not only smothers the nutty taste but makes the dish too rich.
On the BBQ
What you need
- 6 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and halved
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for grilling
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Salt and pepper to taste
What you do
Heat up the BBQ.
- Place peeled and pitted avocado halves in a bowl
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice and sprinkle with salt & pepper
- Leave for 2 minutes
- Pop the avocado halves on the BBQ with the cut side down
- Grill for 1 full minute on each side
Is my avocado ripe?
Avocados have to ripen in a warm place before they’re used. To test ripeness, press the skin lightly with your thumb. If it feels slightly yielding, it’s ready to eat.
Cut lengthways down to the stone and twist to separate the two halves. Pierce the stone carefully with a knife to embed the tip of the knife, then pull the stone out.
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