Once you master the art of opening one (slice lengthwise around the seed with a sharp knife, twist and scoop out the pip), that creamy flesh can be used in so many ways, from spreading on toast to smoothies and salads, even in cakes.
Those who love them probably already know how versatile (and delicious) they are. But how much more do you know about not-so-humble avocadoes?
They are berry good
Though they are shaped like pears, and are sometimes called alligator or avocado pears, avocadoes belong to the berry family. They may not look like their cousins but, just like berries, they contain seeds and develop from the ovary of a flowering plant. They also have a soft endocarp, or inner layer surrounding the seed. If this sounds all too botanical for you, just remember avocadoes are fruit not vegetables – this little piece of trivia could come in handy at your next quiz night.
They have aged beautifully
People have been eating the fruit for thousands of years, with the Nahuatl people among the first to cultivate the tree in what is now Mexico, which is still the world’s largest avocado-growing country. The Spanish brought them to Europe in the 17th century and they gradually made their way around the world and onto our plates. They are plentiful in Western Australia, from the Great Southern to the Gascoyne, with the Haas variety by far the most popular – it accounts for more than 80 percent of avocadoes eaten around the world. But there are other varieties worth hunting down, including Reed, Fuerte and Bacon.
They are worth the wait
If you choose to grow an avocado tree from seed, it can take more than a decade to bear fruit. If you can’t wait that long, it’s best to plant a small tree, which should start fruiting in three to five years. They need a good spot with plenty of sun and regular fertilising during the warmer months when growth is rapid. The good news is once they start to produce fruit, avocado trees will keep on delivering for many years to come if you look after them. Some live for several hundred years, though the quantity and quality of their fruit will likely have diminished.
They are powerful symbols
The name avocado is derived from the Spanish aguacate, which comes from the Nahuatl word ‘ahuacati’, meaning testicle, with many claiming it was so named because of the way they hang in pairs from a tree. Perhaps the shape has something to do with the reasons many cultures, including the Aztecs, believed avocadoes bestowed fertility and virility. Avocadoes were also considered a symbol of everlasting love, with the fruit duos representing lovers entwined for life. While some of those beliefs may have fallen by the wayside over time, avocadoes – or avos, as many Australians like to call them – are still associated with nourishment, growth and abundance.
They pack a healthy punch
Avocadoes are goodness personified. The fruit boasts lots of vitamins and a high dose of healthy fats, which can help increase the absorption of those vitamins and lower cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. Then there is the fibre, which helps digestion. Avocadoes are high in calories, however, so it is best not to go overboard. Thankfully, they also tend to lower insulin and fill you up, so you are less likely to get the munchies after having some on your morning toast or in a super salad, such as this snow pea, broccolini and avocado beauty.
