Why do they put Cholesterol Free stickers on avocados? No plant product has cholesterol, although some have saturated fats, and that is what the avocado growers should be telling the world: avocados contain a mono-saturated oil rather than a saturated one, and as such are right up the top of the list for goodies, along with olive and canola oils, in cholesterol-lowering diets.
From a tree that is related to the bay tree, avocados had their debut on the international scene when first served to Cortez in l519 in Mexico. The locals had been enjoying it there for about 8500 years, so it was about time to let the rest of the world try it. Avocado flesh also browns if exposed to air, so keep the cut sides covered or brush with lemon juice. Store them in a refrigerator, or ripen them at room temperature by putting them in a brown paper bag with an apple. Avocados are generally described as a fruit, even though mostly they are used in savoury dishes – salads, Mexican foods, dips, or with seafood – and there are different varieties that ripen during the year. Most common are the Fuerte which has a thin smooth skin, while the Hass has a rough purplish skin.
mash the flesh with a little lemon juice and coriander to serve as a dip or sauce with Mexican foods
mash it to spread on sandwiches
while it may be cooked and served hot, prolonged heat will make the fruit bitter. Add near to serving time.
Diet Data
Folate, vitamin C, monosaturated fat, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin A, iron, potassium, thiamin, 890kJ per 100g.
Shopping Tips
Varieties ripen at different times but best March to November.
Storage
Ripen at room temperature, refrigerate up to 1 week.