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Talk about versatile! With their rich and creamy texture and their buttery and nutty flavor, people love to eat avocados worldwide. This fruit is delicious on its own and can also be used in both savory and sweet dishes which is why we all love avocados.
One of the most popular ways to enjoy avocados is in guacamole. Not only is this a must-have dip for Super Bowl Sunday (Fun fact: 6% of avocados from Mexico are used on this weekend alone!), but this spread is a favorite for many on all occasions. Nothing beats the creamy texture of freshly prepared guacamole! It makes everything taste better – burgers, crackers, nachos, tacos, tortillas, veggies (the list is endless). And it’s so easy to make! All you need to add for a basic guac is mashed avocado mixed with lime juice (or lemon juice), cilantro, and salt and pepper to taste. And if you make it yourself you can always customize it to match your taste buds! If you like it extra spicy, add some jalapeños or if you’re looking to up your fiber intake why not throw in some black beans? The possibilities are endless. Guac is perfect on tacos, nachos, burritos, quesadillas, or as a dip for your favorite tortilla chips.
In addition, avocados work great in salads, in sushi rolls (think California rolls!), and added to scrambled eggs, in omelets, or on top of fried eggs, and you can even blend avocados into soups. The creamy texture works well as a mayonnaise substitute, in salad dressings, hummus, pesto or as a great spread (avocado toast or bagel anyone?). They can be grilled (a great side dish to bunless burgers!), stuffed, or eaten raw on their own—as avocado slices or you can take half an avocado and scoop out the creamy deliciousness with a spoon!
On the sweet side, avocados make a great creamy base for cakes, ice-cream, icing, puddings, smoothies, sorbet, or truffles. In some countries, avocados are used for milkshakes or mashed with sugar and lime and eaten as a dessert or snack. The flavor of avocados and bananas is one of the most delicious combinations ever! And, avocados are a great first food for babies too making it an all-around family favorite!
Other ways to enjoy avocados include avocado oil and avocado leaves!
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Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is the oil produced when ripe avocados are pressed. Though it can be expensive, it is a worthwhile staple to have in your home. It is fantastic for salad and vegetable dressings and for marinating meat. In addition, this oil works well in baking because it doesn’t have a strong or overpowering taste (as some people may find with olive oil).
In addition, avocado oil is great for high-temperature cooking due to its predominance of monounsaturated fat (as opposed to highly oxidation-prone polyunsaturated fats). It has an incredibly high smoke point: 520 °F for refined avocado oil and 375 °F for virgin avocado oil.
Avocado Leaves
In some cuisines, the leaves of Mexican avocados are used as a spice. They are sold both dried and fresh, toasted before use, and either crumbled or used whole, commonly in bean dishes. Who knew?
Bottom line—the possibilities with this fruit are endless. Avocados make almost anything taste better and because they are full of healthy fats they help increase the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoids from other foods consumed with them. Avo-gotta be kidding me! Any way you “slice it,” this low-carb food is kick-“Hass!” (Hyuck – get it? As in Hass avocados?)
What’s your favorite way to enjoy this antioxidant-rich fruit full of health benefits?
Avocado Recipes
Looking for inspiration? Try my favorite avocado recipes:
In the Kitchen
If you’re looking for inspiration on how to prepare some of your other favorite foods, check out these posts!
