Avocado is the name given to the fruit of the avocado tree.
The first human beings who had the honor of trying it were the inhabitants of Mexico, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. Although today there are avocado plantations all over the world, this American country is still the one that produces the largest quantity. There are so many thousands of tons that are harvested there each year that a good part is sold to other countries. Among the large producers are also the United States, Indonesia, Brazil, Colombia and Spain.
The word “avocado” comes from Nahuatl, a language spoken by indigenous people in Mexico long before the arrival of the Spanish. Specifically, it derives from the word ahuacatl, which means ‘tree testicles’. Yes, they probably chose this peculiar name because of the physical resemblance between the fruit and the organs of the male reproductive system.
The avocado is pear-shaped and has three distinct parts: a dark and rough rind to protect the interior, a fleshy pulp that can be green or yellow, and a huge seed that is very soft to the touch.
It is important that you know that avocado is considered one of the healthiest foods that humans can eat. Do you know why? Well, because it has many beneficial properties for the body.
To begin with, it has two great qualities: it is very nutritious and full of vitamins. It also has a lot of potassium, a very important mineral for the proper functioning of our body. In fact, an avocado provides three times as much potassium as another fruit famous for having a lot: the banana.
Avocado is also distinguished by its high content of monounsaturated fats, which are essential during the growth stage because they contribute to improving the functioning of both the brain and the nervous system. These healthy fats are also present in other foods such as olive oil or almonds.
Avocado is consumed mainly fresh and is great seasoned or as another ingredient in salads. When you prepare a try, add a few cubes! Now, the most famous dish that has avocado as the main protagonist is Mexican guacamole.
Guacamole is a thick sauce that is made by mixing avocado with other fresh products that are basically: tomato, cilantro, onion and lime or lemon juice. It is usually eaten with corn tortillas that we all know as ‘nachos’ or ‘totopos’. You can encourage yourself to do it at home with the help of your parents because it is very easy to prepare and does not require any type of cooking. If you have not tried it, you will love it!
Apart from being a fantastic food, avocado is also used to make cosmetic products thanks to its oils, great for moisturizing the skin and hair.