Avocados... the most perfect food.

Avocados, the world’s most perfect food, originated in Puebla, Mexico.  It dates back to 10,000 years B.C.  Present date 95% of US avocados are grown in Southern California. There are over 80 varieties of avocados but the most common in the US is called the alligator pear because of it shape and skin texture.  But what is important about the avocado is the nutritional value it contains.  It is:

• high-fiber
• sodium and cholesterol-free 
• rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats such as omega-3 fatty acids.
• Monounsaturated helps control  triglycerides in the bloodstream, lower blood cholesterol and control diabetes.
• contains vitamins A, C, D, E, K and the B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12 and folate)
• high in potassium which helps in lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of high blood pressure.
• contains lutein which aids in preventing cataracts, certain types of cancer, and reduces the risk of macular degeneration.  Avocados contain 3 times as much lutein then other vegetables and fruits.

There are so many ways to eat an avocado.  Of course the most popular is guacamole but try them in a different way.  Add them to your salad, sandwich, wraps, pasta salads, salad dressing... we even seen avocado gelato.

One of our favorite ways to use avocados is to jazz up our egg salad.   If you already have a favorite recipe or if you are like us you and just throw everything in a bowl and mix it all together, try adding an avocado to it.  Lightly mash the avocado is all it takes. The avocado will make your egg salad creamy, tasty and healthy.

Here is a basic recipe for egg salad if you are in need of one.

4 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and chopped

3 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon sour cream (optional)

1 celery stalk, finely chopped 

1 tablespoon dill

Salt and black pepper, to taste

½ - 1 avocado

These were garnish with chopped red pepper and julienne carrots

Or if you are like many of our friends, eat the avocado like you would an apple or tomato, in its simplest form.   Cut it in half, remove the pit and eat all but the skin.  Cant get any easier than that :-)