Description

Avocado is also known as alligator pear, that is native to Mexico and Central America. They supposedly have greenish or yellowish flesh and buttery consistency with a nutty flavour. Avocado was initially domesticated in tropical America, where it was cultivated as individual seedlings just before the conquest done by the Spanish. Though the very avocado plant did not receive the horticulture attention, until about 1900. The tree also received some attention commercially in the states of Florida, Hawaii, California, Brazil, Australia, South Africa.  Avocado varies in size from round to pear-shaped with a long slender neck. It comes in different colour from green to dark purple. Technically, it is a berry with a large round seed, and sometimes the skin happens to be thinner than an apples skin, while at times, it has a thicker skin with a woody texture. Avocado trees are best grown at moderate temperatures with moderate humidity. The blooming season of avocado begins in February and March, and its mature and picking period is between Maya and September.

Health benefits

• Avocado helps in blood cholesterol, hence reduces the very chance of heart disease.⁽¹⁾
• It helps in reducing the symptoms of arthritis, a condition in which the joint cartilage deteriorates.⁽¹⁾
• Avocados are high in calories, and thus helps in weight loss because after its intaken in moderation keeps one full for longer span of time, thereby reducing the very need of food consumption. This ultimately contributes to weight loss.⁽²⁾
• Avocado is said to be loaded with carotenoid, lutein, and zeaxanthin that helps in keeping the eye healthy.⁽³⁾

Selection Guide

The first and the foremost thing when buying an avocado is that the ripe ones are black in colour with a trace of green, so if it is to be consumed immediately then buying the darker ones preferable. Second, the avocado should not have any bruises, instead should be slightly pebbled.