A tropical guest in your kitchen - avocado: how it is eaten and what it is cooked with

Hello dear friends and readers of my blog! There are some fruits with a secret that you fall in love with if you only know which key to find for them, otherwise you will be disappointed. We will talk about one of them today. So, how to eat avocado, raw or not, what it goes with, how to choose it correctly, simple recipes with it - and you will have much more opportunities to get to know it better.

Avocados have long been no longer a rare exotic for our country, which is extremely difficult to find. And if this was the case before, now, please, in any supermarket in a more or less large city you will find this fruit. However, he still cannot boast that he has won the hearts, or rather the bellies, of thousands of people, so the demand for him remains modest.

When you don’t know how to eat avocado correctly and what to combine it with to perfectly reveal its taste, you treat it as an interesting curiosity. Today we will fix it!

By the way, you know that this fruit is also called alligator pear, because... Does the peel resemble crocodile skin in color and pimples? You may have already heard about this. Do you know then that in India its middle name is “poor man’s cow”? And all because in terms of calories, this fruit will outshine even meat (lean beef).

It is believed that avocado was in the diet of large animals that lived on our planet more than 60 million years ago. It is difficult to imagine this figure, and it is not necessary. Now we eat this “pear”.

Where does avocado grow?

Avocado is an evergreen plant - a tree with a bushy crown, the height of which reaches 20 meters. It grows quite quickly, which allows it to be grown in “industrial” quantities.

The fruits of the tree were eaten, and furniture was made from the tree trunk. Avocado has been known since the third millennium BC!

Avocados grow mainly in southern countries. It is also actively grown in the USA, Brazil, Africa and Israel.

A ripe avocado fruit is slightly elongated in length and looks like a pear. Avocado peel is dark green to almost black (depending on the variety), with black spots throughout the surface.

The color and appearance of the skin of the avocado fruit makes it look like the skin of a crocodile, and because of this similarity, the avocado is often called the “alligator pear.”

A ripe avocado tastes like a mixture of butter and herbs with a slight nutty flavor. The ripe fruit contains natural vegetable fat, which makes it useful for a healthy diet. The fruit is actively used in cooking, including for making vegetarian culinary dishes.

Avocado nutritional value

Per 100 grams of ripe fruit:

• Calorie content – ​​about 160 kcal. Calorie content may vary slightly depending on the type of avocado.
• Carbohydrates – 8.5 g.
• Proteins – 2 gr.
• Fats – 14.7 g.
• Water – 74.8 g.

In turn, fats are divided into:

• saturated – 2.1 g.
• monounsaturated – 9.8 g.
• polyunsaturated – 1.9 g.

For detailed information about the benefits and harms of fat, including information about monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, read on our website at the link: Why the body needs fats, the benefits and harms of fat.

What does avocado taste like?

Not everyone who tries this fruit for the first time will be able to say something intelligible about what avocado tastes like. I already said that he is quite neutral. However, gourmets describe it as creamy with a slight nutty flavor. It actually has an oily consistency because it contains a lot of fat.

• Is it possible to eat a darkened avocado?

If you forgot to sprinkle lemon juice on it and didn’t eat it right away, the top layer will soon turn dark. In this case, you simply cut it off and eat the fruit.

• Can I eat it if it's dark inside?

If the entire flesh is dark in color, then it is better to refrain from eating it; most likely the fruit is overripe and spoiled.

• Is it possible to eat unripe fruit?

Try it, but it won't have the right taste or consistency. I don't think you'll like it at all in this form.

• Is it possible to eat overripe fruit?

If it is overripe, it means that it has already begun to deteriorate, plus in this case it is completely devoid of its inherent flavor nuances and can lead to unpleasant consequences from the digestive system.

Other signs of an overripe avocado:

- unpleasant smell

- islands of mold

- change in color of the pulp to dark and even black

— feels too soft to the touch, does not hold its shape

- clearly stratified pulp, similar to porridge.

Composition and beneficial properties

The avocado ripens after the fruits are picked from the tree; its second name is “alligator pear.” The fruit began to be called this because of its bright color and elongated shape. The pulp of the fruit is hidden under a durable skin and is considered the most useful part of the fruit. It contains minerals: potassium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamins A, B, C, folic acid, oleic acid. The composition of the pulp is healthy and unique, so for the human body it is a whole storehouse of vitamins and compounds necessary for health. Here is just a small part of the beneficial properties that this exotic fruit has:

• polyunsaturated fatty acids improve brain function, develop memory, and reduce the risk of developing diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• potassium and other minerals improve the functioning of the main heart muscle, regulate salt balance in the body, and increase susceptibility to stressful situations;
• copper contained in fruits reduces the risk of anemia;
• riboflavin stimulates the production of red blood cells, promotes blood renewal;
• oleic acid reduces the level of bad cholesterol and protects against the formation of “plaques” in blood vessels.

The rich and balanced microelement composition of avocado helps eliminate constipation and regulate the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Although the calorie content of an avocado is 245 kcal per 100 g, the fruit is actively used for weight loss. The fruit is included in the menu of many diets to promote weight loss. Due to the increase in metabolic rate, as well as the reduction of cholesterol, you can get rid of extra pounds with the help of avocados in the shortest possible time.

Attention! The green pulp contains a special substance – L-carnitine. It is a fat-burning compound, so when it enters the body it leads to weight loss.

Benefits for women

As for the female body, the benefits of the fetus for it are colossal. Scientists have long proven that with regular consumption of fruit:

• female reproductive function is preserved for a long time;
• the risk of developing cancer is reduced;
• regulates discharge during menstruation;
• the likelihood of cervical dysplasia decreases;
• the condition of the skin, nails and hair improves;
• Libido increases.

Green pulp is especially useful for pregnant and lactating women, as it contains a large amount of folic acid, which the baby needs for normal development. If a pregnant woman ate avocados several times a week, the risk of developing birth defects in the embryo is significantly reduced and is less than 1%. Moreover, the risk of miscarriages and frozen pregnancies is reduced.

In addition to eating, the fruit is often used in cosmetology and medicine. Extracts from its pulp are added to creams and skin care products. Vitamin A contained in the fruit prolongs youth, as it is involved in the body’s production of new cellular tissues. Avocado oil is an excellent remedy for dry skin with an antibacterial function. When applied to the face, age spots disappear or are reduced, and the skin itself is less exposed to the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.

Benefits for men

The benefits of avocados for males do not decrease at all. First of all, the green pulp of the fruit enhances potency and increases male desire. The reproductive system begins to work at full capacity, the quality of sperm increases. For athletes and young people leading an active lifestyle, the fruit will be useful due to its ability to quickly restore strength after a hard workout. Eating the fruit also affects mental abilities: processes in the brain are activated, and the nervous system becomes more stable and restored.

Improving heart and vascular health

Diseases of the cardiovascular system occupy the first positions in terms of mortality in almost all countries of the world. Most of them are caused by atherosclerotic damage to the coronary arteries, as well as the vessels supplying the brain and kidneys.

Avocado can prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and improve the condition of the heart and blood vessels.

Scientists from Mexico have found that avocado reduces the level of total cholesterol and its atherogenic fractions (LDL - by 22%, TAG - by 20%), helps to increase con cholesterol - lipoproteins with a high specific gravity by 11%.

WHO experts say that regularly adding fruit to the diet reduces the likelihood of developing cardiovascular complications by 24%.

Studies conducted in South Africa show that eating 200 grams of avocado every day not only improves your lipid profile, but also helps lower blood pressure. Blood thinning and prevention of blood clots are also noted.

Avocado helps in the fight against various diseases of the cardiovascular system. It is able to reduce blood pressure and the risk of blood clots, and prevent atherosclerotic damage to the vascular bed.

Improved vision

Avocado is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin - important photochemicals that can concentrate in the tissues of the eye and provide powerful antioxidant protection for the organ of vision.

It is these components that prevent damage to the retina under the influence of ultraviolet solar radiation.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids, according to American scientists, reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and early development of cataracts.

Regular addition of fruit to the diet has a beneficial effect on the condition of the eyes during periods of prolonged excessive stress (reading books, working on a personal computer, etc.).

Avocado helps improve vision and prevents the early development of age-related pathologies of the ophthalmological apparatus.

Cancer Prevention

Avocado is a valuable source of folic acid. This vitamin prevents malignant degeneration of cells of the large intestine, stomach, pancreas and cervix.

The action is presumably associated with a reduction in the risk of mutations in DNA and RNA chains during replication. Experts from India came to this conclusion.

A number of photochemicals present in avocados selectively inhibit the growth and division of cancer cells, causing their death. The product is also capable of activating antitumor immunity.

Avocado reduces the risk of the formation of malignant tumors in the human body.

Pregnant

Ladies expecting a baby are allowed to consume 0.5 avocados. daily. You need to start small (2-3 lozenges) to eliminate allergies. Eat fruits unprocessed.

For high cholesterol

Since it contains a lot of fatty acids, you need to clarify how to eat avocados with high cholesterol. It is correct to eat the fruits raw, because after heat treatment they become bitter. The daily norm is 1 pc.

For children

It is allowed to include tropical fruits in the menu of a child who is one year old. Start with 1 tsp, increase the amount as you grow older. Closer to 3 years, you need to reach ½ piece, combining avocado puree with banana and apples.

Properties of avocado oil

The derivative product of this fruit, oil, deserves special attention. It is used in cosmetology and other areas of economic activity.

Photo: Avocado oil

Skin and hair

The oil is absorbed very quickly and makes the skin velvety to the touch and more elastic, while simultaneously providing an anti-inflammatory effect, relieving irritation and relieving itching. Effective for acne and pimples. Well softens rough, flaky skin on elbows, heels and finger joints.

For hair, this product is a real find. If you regularly apply it half an hour to an hour before washing your hair, then dry and split ends will again become shiny and take on a well-groomed appearance.

Household use

To restore the natural shine of leather shoes, you need to wash them, dry them and rub them with a small amount of oil applied to a rag. It will be absorbed quickly.

Housewives are happy to use this product in the kitchen, for example, for frying. Vegetarians use it as a substitute for butter in baked goods. Combined with vinegar, it makes a delicious salad dressing.

Harm of avocado to human health

Despite the pronounced positive properties of this fruit, there are several contraindications for its use.

In particular:

1. The fruit should not be eaten if you are allergic to the fruit itself or some of its components.
2. It is not recommended to give the fruit to children under three years of age, also due to possible allergic reactions.
3. You cannot eat unripe fruit. An unripe fruit contains toxic substances that can cause indigestion, including acute pain and flatulence.
4. The avocado seed is poisonous. It should not be eaten!

My guacamole recipe

A relative who lives in sunny California taught me how to make guacamole, and I often remember his kind words for this recipe. It's simple, but gives amazingly tasty results.

• Place the peeled avocado into the blender bowl. You can have two if they are small.
• 1 medium tomato or handful of cherry tomatoes
• Garlic, salt, lemon juice, or better yet lime juice
• Add olive oil generously
• We press start. The gruel turns out incredibly tasty and aromatic. And satisfying. And keto-friendly. In general, I recommend it.
• You can also easily spread it on keto bread, for which I also have a recipe. Click on the blue link!

Using raw avocado for salad

The fruits are cut into slices and soaked in 1 tbsp. l. lemon juice. Cut half the red onion into strips (the thinner the better). Cut 100 g of cheese into cubes. 100 g Cherry tomatoes, cut in half. Chop the lettuce leaves. Grate the lemon zest on top, stir and season.

Sandwiches

Cut 2 buns in half. The pulp of one avocado is mixed with 0.5 tbsp. l. curry. The resulting paste is applied to the bun halves. Place a layer of lettuce on top, then sliced ​​radishes and cucumber. The sandwich is ready.

Well, we learned a little more about the benefits of avocado and how it is eaten raw.

How to eat avocado properly raw

In its raw form it is used as part of various dishes. For some time there was debate about whether it was a vegetable, a nut or a fruit.

Avocado paste is a great snack

You can puree the raw pulp and spread it on bread. An excellent sandwich option is avocado with butter. To do this, you will need to grind these two ingredients in the proportion that suits your taste. For flavoring, you can also add salt, pepper or herbs. You can put not only healthy avocado paste on sandwiches, but also simply sliced ​​pulp.

The scooped out flesh of a ripe avocado looks like ice cream.

Raw avocado is also added to salads. You can use vegetable oils and lemon juice as a dressing. Avocado also goes well with grain mustard and balsamic sauce. In short, with almost any sour or spicy dressing.

Avocado desserts

Any housewife is always for healthy eating in her home, and avocado is one of her allies in the fight for such a lifestyle. In the summer, when there is no desire to bake something, but want to cook something unusual, various desserts come to our aid. Let's tell you in more detail about the benefits of avocado and how to use it.

Pistachio and avocado mousse

An incredibly simple but effective mousse that, after 8 hours of freezing in the refrigerator, acquires a delicate, silk-like texture. No beating, even the most thorough, can achieve such a result.

1 tbsp. Peel the pistachios and soak in water for 3 hours. After this, pour out the water and dry the nuts. Pour dried pistachios into a blender, add 0.5 tbsp. honey and 1 tbsp. l. water. Beat. Place the resulting mass in the refrigerator for 5 hours. Cut 3 chilled avocados into large pieces. Place the chopped fruit and nut mass into a blender, adding a little sea salt, 1 tsp. lime juice and 1/4 tbsp. water. Set the speed to highest and beat until smooth. Divide the mixture into molds and refrigerate overnight.

Well, our store of knowledge about the benefits of avocado and how to use it in cooking and cosmetology has been replenished. But the usefulness of the fruit and its scope of application do not end there.

Breakfasts with avocado

Eating avocado for breakfast stimulates metabolism, replenishes energy reserves, and keeps you feeling full for 4-6 hours. Morning meals with fruit pulp are part of many healthy eating programs, as they promote weight loss and saturate the body with useful substances.

Nutritionists consider morning the most successful time to eat fruits. Some diets include dividing the daily intake for breakfast and dinner.

One of the simple breakfast options is toast with chopped pulp, low-fat cottage cheese and herbs (combinations with cheese, vegetables, and dietary meat are possible). A combination of avocado and egg is suitable for breakfast.

Some examples:

1. Fresh avocado puree is placed on a fried slice of bread, and an egg fried in a frying pan is placed on top. The sandwich is decorated with greens.
2. Toasted mini waffles are complemented with scrambled eggs, grated cheese, chopped tomato and the pulp of half an avocado. The special feature of the dish is the addition of 1 jalapeno.
3. Hard-boiled eggs are kneaded. Prepare puree from 1 avocado and mix with dietary mayonnaise. All components are combined, chopped cilantro and seasonings are added. The pasta is spread on the bread and another slice of bread is placed on top to make a sandwich.
4. Avocado puree, green adamame beans are placed on gluten-free bread and pieces of avocado pulp with mint leaves are placed on top.

There are recipes for omelettes, pancakes and casseroles with avocado, but in such versions the fruit will be bitter and give a specific taste.

Smoothies can be considered one of the most popular morning dishes. In any of the presented options, all ingredients are placed in a blender and mixed until smooth:

1. The pulp of half an avocado, 2 cucumbers, a handful of spinach (can be replaced with kale or chard) pour 2 tbsp. linseed oil, 0.5 tbsp. water, 0.25 tbsp. almond milk, 1 tbsp. lime juice. Sea salt is added.
2. Peeled avocado and banana halves, 1 tsp. honey, 1 tbsp. flax seeds are poured with 200 g of filtered or coconut water.
3. Whole peeled avocado, almond milk (150 ml), 5 g mint leaves, 1 tbsp. coconut oil, 2 tbsp. cocoa or grated chocolate mixed with spinach leaves and 3 tbsp. coconut sugar or honey. Ice is added.
4. Water, spinach, 2 types of berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries or blueberries) 1 tbsp. mixed with 1 banana, 1 kiwi and half an avocado.
5. A third of an avocado, half a banana, strawberries (12 berries) are filled with water.

Each option differs in calorie and fat content, and is selected taking into account individual preferences.

For those who want to lose weight

Since the calorie content of the fruit is too high (100 g - 160 kcal), many people who are losing weight refuse to eat it. But this is a big mistake. Many people have probably thought about the benefits of avocados for weight loss. Despite the fact that the fruit contains more than 70% fat, it is an excellent assistant for burning weight. After all, it contains healthy fats, namely monounsaturated acids, which reduce cholesterol levels in the body. If you follow a diet that includes this healthy tropical fruit, you can lose a couple of kilograms in a week. And this is no joke! Avocados should be eaten 4 times a day. And it is also very important to stop consuming sugar, bread, soda and alcohol.

This is what 1 diet day looks like:

1. Breakfast. Place low-fat cottage cheese in half an avocado. Drink a cup of green tea with this sandwich.
2. Dinner. A bowl of vegetable broth. Prepare a salad from 1 egg, half an avocado, 1 fresh cucumber. Season with 1 tbsp. l. olive oil. You can also add a little cinnamon and ginger to the salad to enhance the effect.
3. Afternoon snack. Prepare an avocado smoothie with the addition of any citrus fruit.
4. Dinner. A glass of kefir, half an avocado and a couple of slices of boiled beef.

Dietary recipes

Because of the delicate taste of the pulp, the fruit is very popular with chefs, so it is added to almost any dish. Avocado is often included in meat and fish salads and is used for baking, stewing and frying vegetables with meat and fish. Then the dish can be served spectacularly: right in the empty boat left from under the fruit. Show your imagination, play with the recipe in your own way, add your favorite spices, and you will see that avocado is not only a healthy storehouse of vitamins, but also a tasty delicacy for those who love to eat.

Dietary avocado and shrimp salad

Avocado pulp goes best with the delicate taste of shrimp meat, so there are many interpretations of the salad. We suggest adding a little sourness to the dish - grapefruit, the benefits of the salad will only increase, and the taste will become slightly unusual and even a sophisticated gourmet will like it. 100 g of light salad produces only 120 kcal.

Compound:

• 1/2 grapefruit;
• ripe avocado - 1 pc.;
• 80-90 g peeled shrimp;
• a bunch of arugula;
• 1/2 part lime;
• a pinch of ground black pepper;
• olive oil for dressing - tbsp.

How to cook:

Wash the avocado, cut into 2 equal slices and remove the pit. Cut out the pulp with a knife, but do not touch the skin. The cup from the fruit will be needed to serve the salad; it must not be damaged. Cut the pulp into small cubes and place in a bowl.

Peel the grapefruit and remove the white film from the segments. Cut the slices into small pieces and place in a bowl.

Take the shrimp already boiled and peeled so that you don’t have to fuss with them. If you use king prawns in cooking, cut them into 3-4 pieces to make it easier to eat. There is no need to cut cocktail shrimp. Place the seafood in a bowl with the remaining ingredients.

Squeeze the lime juice into a cup, making sure that the seeds do not get into the salad with the juice. Tear the arugula into a bowl. Lightly drizzle the ingredients with olive oil, pepper and mix well again.

The salad can be served immediately after preparation, but it will taste better if you put it in the refrigerator for half an hour. To serve, take the remaining skin from the fruit. Place the salad in the boat; you need to fill it tightly, without fear that the boat will tear. The skin of the fruit is strong, so don’t be afraid to add more filling. Serve the boats and help yourself, bon appetit!

Note! Instead of arugula, you can take any other greens at your discretion. Lettuce, basil, parsley, cilantro will do.

Dietary cream soup

You can not only prepare salads and main courses from this exotic fruit, but also make soups. Direct proof of this is the puree soup made from avocado and vegetables. It turns out very tasty and unusual, your household will appreciate the new dish. A bowl of soup contains about 150 kcal, so for those who are on a diet, this dish will certainly become one of their favorites.

Compound:

• 500 ml chicken broth;
• 2 medium potatoes;
• large avocado;
• onion head;
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice;
• a bunch of fresh herbs for decoration.

How to cook:

Pour out about 1/5 of the total amount of broth. Pour 2 tbsp into it. lemon juice, add chopped pieces of avocado pulp. Peel the onion, chop as desired and add to chicken broth. Using an immersion blender, grind all ingredients until smooth for 2-3 minutes.

Pour the rest of the chicken broth into a small saucepan, place on heat and bring to a boil. Add spices and salt. Peel the potatoes, cut into cubes and place in boiling broth.

After 10-15 minutes, when all the potatoes are cooked, turn off the heat and wait 10-15 minutes for the broth to cool slightly. Then chop the greens finely, pour them into a saucepan and grind all the ingredients with a blender.

Put the pan back on the fire, add the prepared avocado mixture into the broth, stir with a spoon so that the consistency is the same. Cook the soup for another 5-6 minutes, then cover with a lid and keep on the stove off to allow the dish to infuse for greater flavor.

The soup turns out to have a very beautiful, appetizing color, and the taste will lick your fingers and you will be completely delighted. Hurry up, pour it into plates and try it for your health, bon appetit!

Attention! To prevent the onion from becoming bitter, scald it with boiling water before slicing.

Baked Avocado with Egg Sauce

If you are watching your figure and sticking to a healthy diet, there is one very tasty recipe that you will surely enjoy. Vegetable casserole is perfect for lunch, but you can make it for breakfast. It takes about half an hour to prepare.

Compound:

• 3 ripe avocados;
• 2 tomatoes;
• 50 g cheese;
• a pair of chicken eggs;
• tsp lemon juice;
• tbsp olive oil;
• spices and salt to taste.

How to cook:

Place the cut avocado slices on a greased baking sheet and bake in the oven at 180 degrees for 20 minutes. Then remove the fruit from the oven and wait until it cools completely.

Cut the tomatoes into pieces; if the skin was too hard, it needs to be removed. Separate the yolks from the whites into a bowl; the whites will not be needed. Place the cup with the yolks in a water bath and beat them until they begin to thicken. Add spices and salt to the yolks, add lemon juice and stir again.

Scoop out the pulp from the cooled avocado slices with a spoon. In a baking dish, place pieces of fruit on a greased bottom. Place a layer of tomatoes on top and then pour in the egg mixture.

Grate the cheese on a fine grater, sprinkle it on the dish and place the baking dish in an oven preheated to 180 degrees. Cooking time is 10-15 minutes. As soon as a golden brown crust has formed on top of the casserole, turn off the heat - the dish is ready.

You should try the casserole while it is hot; if desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs before serving for beauty.

Chicken salad with avocado

Chicken lovers will love this simple recipe for a light but very nutritious salad with the addition of cherry tomatoes and sweet pear pieces. This is a great option for a hearty snack for lunch or even dinner. One serving of salad contains no more than 140 kcal, so you don’t have to worry about your figure.

Compound:

• 1 PC. avocado;
• 120 g chicken breast;
• 6-7 Cherry tomatoes;
• sweet and sour pear – 1 pc.;
• lime wedges with lemon for garnish;
• according to tbsp. olive oil and soy sauce.

How to cook:

Place the chicken breast in a saucepan, cover with water and boil the meat until tender. Remove the cooled meat from the bones, remove the skin, and then cut the fillet into small pieces.

Wash the Cherry tomatoes and dry on a towel. Cut each tomato in half and add it to the chopped chicken fillet.

Divide the avocado into 2 parts, remove the pit. Remove the pulp from the fruit and cut into approximately the same pieces as the chicken meat, and then transfer to a bowl with the rest of the ingredients.

Wash the pear, remove the skin and cut out the core. Chop the fruit into cubes and place in a cup.

The salad is almost ready, all that remains is to season it with olive oil and soy sauce. Add your favorite spices to taste; Italian herbs, rosemary and basil work well. Before serving, garnish the dish with fresh lime and lemon wedges.

Note! Do not pour the broth left over from cooking chicken into the sink. Put it in the refrigerator and then cook a light soup.

Abundance of dishes with avocado

Restaurant menus often offer delicious avocado dishes that can be prepared at home. The pulp of the fruit can be added to cold appetizers and fruit salads. For example, mix with grapefruit, raspberries, orange and nuts. Avocado is used as a filling for vegetarian sushi, a meat or egg substitute in salads, a base for milkshakes and sweet creams.

Mexican guacamole sauce is prepared from the pulp of the fruit:

• 2 ripe avocados, peeled and mashed in a bowl;
• puree poured over 2 tbsp. lemon juice;
• the chili pepper is seeded and finely chopped;
• half the onion is peeled and chopped;
• pepper, onion and cilantro are added to avocado puree;
• all ingredients are mixed;
• add crushed tomato (with skin);
• All components are salted and mixed.

The sauce can be stored for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

You can also make puree soup from avocado:

1. Peel, chop, and place large ripe fruit in a blender bowl. Then pour in lemon juice.
2. Peel and chop the onion and 2 heads of garlic. Finely chop mint and cilantro.
3. Add all ingredients to a blender, pour in 350 ml of cooled vegetable broth and mix.
4. Add 1 tbsp to the resulting puree. wine vinegar and soy sauce. Add 350 ml vegetable broth.
5. Mix all ingredients again in a blender. The thickness can be adjusted by adding cold milk.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste and refrigerate.
7. Squeeze juice from lime and mix with sour cream or yogurt. Place the mixture on the bottom of the plate, pour in the chilled puree soup.
8. Decorate the top of the dish with a sprig of mint and cilantro.

In addition to the classic paste with pepper and salt, you can make a pate from avocado. It is spread on bread, rolls, cookies, toast. Recipe:

1. Make a puree from ripe avocado (mash with a fork).
2. In a separate container, knead 100 g of tofu or soft cottage cheese.
3. The ingredients are mixed and sprinkled with lemon juice.
4. Add 2 chopped heads of garlic, salt and 2 tbsp. unsweetened yogurt.
5. The ingredients are mixed to a homogeneous paste, which is transferred to a glass container and placed in the refrigerator under the lid.

We recommend that you read: Can pregnant women eat tangerines?

The shelf life of the paste is 3-4 days.

Avocado is often used in salads with crab meat or shrimp. One of the recipes:

1. The pulp of 4 avocados is cut into cubes.
2. Peeled shrimp (125 g) are boiled in salted water.
3. Low-fat sour cream or yogurt (6 tablespoons) is mixed with the zest of 1 lemon. Pepper and coriander are added.
4. Place avocado in a salad bowl and sprinkle with lemon juice. Shrimp are placed on top. The components are mixed. Add sauce to taste.

There are various salad options with the addition of cucumbers, chicken, fish or cheese.

How to choose a fruit so that it is ripe?

When choosing this fruit, you should start by examining the fruit.

We carefully check that there are no cracks, dents, dark spots or other defects on the fruit.

Be sure to look at the color of its peel.

The darker the color, the riper the fruit.

However, you should be aware that there are many types of avocados, and the appearance of each type can vary significantly.

If several varieties of fruit are laid out on the counter, then you should not choose the largest fruit.

Some varieties are distinguished by large stones.

Therefore, the size of the fruit can be large, but due to the large seed, the pulp will end up being much smaller.

After the fruit is visually inspected, it must be picked up and lightly pressed on the peel.

If the pulp seems to spring back and restores its original shape, then the fruit is ripe.

If the dent from pressing takes a long time to recover, then the fruit is overripe.

And there is a very high probability that the pulp inside is already rotten.

You can, of course, take a risk and buy such a fruit.

But it must be consumed immediately!

If the fruit of the fruit does not react in any way to your pressure, remaining very hard, then it is an unripe fruit.

Of course, if you plan to eat it in a week, then it's just right for you.

A ripe avocado can also be identified by its pit.

You should take the fruit and shake it slightly.

If you hear a light tapping sound inside, the fruit is ripe.

How to choose the right avocado in the store

The most delicious and nutritious fruits are those that have reached optimal ripeness. If the avocado is still green, its taste will be more grassy and you will not be able to enjoy it. Therefore, when purchasing, always pay attention to the density of the fruit. If it is hard enough and does not press through, it means it is not yet ripe. If the peel is pressed too well and the fruit is very soft, then it is overripe.

There are more than 400 varieties of avocados

Cracks in the skin and dark spots also indicate spoilage of the fruit. This means that it is “beaten”, has been lying around for a long time and has begun to deteriorate. Very often you can find unripe avocados in stores. They are specially collected while still green, so that they ripen during transportation and do not disappear. To ripen an avocado, simply wrap it in plain paper and place it in any cabinet.

Unripe avocados taste bad

Is it possible to eat avocado peel and pit?

Most people in our country are accustomed to the fact that the same apples, pears, and grapes can be eaten in their entirety.

With peel and seeds.

And they think the same is true with avocados.

We must disappoint you: neither the peel nor the seed is suitable for human food!

Therefore, the peel should be peeled off, but the pit should be removed and not eaten.

There are a lot of substances in the seed, and in its peel, that even an adult can have digestive problems and allergies.

The seed can be planted if you want to grow this fruit.

But you definitely shouldn’t eat it.

But you can easily eat the pulp.

There are 2 ways to eat raw avocado:

• Cut the ripe fruit in half, remove the pit from it, and eat the pulp with a spoon;
• Cut the ripe avocado in half and remove the pit;
• Cut the fruit into slices, as we do with melon, and eat the pulp, leaving the peel.

To be honest, it is eating avocados raw that brings the most benefits to the human body.

How to grow an avocado from a seed at home

The berry must be very ripe. Carefully remove the bone from it, without using a knife, so as not to damage it, and wash it under warm water, at the same time cleaning it from adhering pulp.

Germination takes approximately 4-6 weeks depending on soil temperature. At very low temperatures (less than 20 °C) it sometimes lasts for more than one month. If after some time the bone splits into 2 parts, then the process has begun.

How to plant an avocado seed

In order for roots to develop well, a substrate with a low nutrient content, such as coconut or peat, is needed. A special soil mixture will also work. In order to protect the plant from pests and fungus, a slightly moistened substrate (not coconut) before use can be placed in a heat-resistant container and heated in an oven or microwave for a quarter of an hour to a temperature of at least 160 °C. Under no circumstances should the container be tightly closed, as the resulting water vapor will tear it apart. However, a lid is necessary to prevent the steam from evaporating too much. Fireproof glass bowls with glass lids work well for this.

Photo: Avocado Sprout

Expanded clay drainage or ceramic shards are first poured into a medium-sized pot, and the substrate is laid on top, pressing down lightly. Then insert a cleaned bone into the center and pour in enough mixture so that 2/3 of it is visible. At the end, it is watered with warm water. It is best to use a spray bottle, as the jet from the watering can will wash away the substrate in one place. Until a sprout appears, to maintain high air humidity, put a small plastic bag on top, which, however, should not fit tightly to the pot. Every few days the bag should be removed briefly for ventilation.

Sprout care

The pot is placed in a warm, bright place. The substrate should always be moist, but not wet! As soon as a sprout with four leaves appears, the top should be removed. Otherwise, a long stem will form, which will begin to branch only at high altitudes. If the plant is in a dark place, then this measure is ineffective. For this reason, it is recommended to plant the seed only in summer and continue to grow the seedling outdoors, in a bright place. Removing the top can be repeated if new shoots have formed, which, in turn, have sprouted leaves. This usually does not happen if the plant is standing outside in the sun, as ultraviolet radiation prevents abnormal growth in length. From the moment of germination, the substrate should be moderately moist.

There is no need to feed the seedlings with fertilizers, since the nutrients come from the seed. You should start watering the plant with a small amount of liquid fertilizer no earlier than after 4 weeks.

How to peel an avocado

Before consuming avocado fruits, they must be peeled. This is done very easily. The photographs below of the stages of peeling an avocado will help you with this. When you click on a photo, it will enlarge.

To clean the fruit you need:

1. Carefully peel the fruit with a knife
2. Cut the fruit into two halves
3. Carefully remove the bone
4. Cut the fruit for salad or other culinary needs

I also suggest watching a video filmed specifically for the website Sizhu-doma.ru, in which I show in detail how to peel an avocado for salad or other culinary purposes:

As you can see, this is done very easily!

Salmon salad

This salad can also be included in the holiday menu. It will take no more than 20 minutes to prepare. Calorie content is 55 kilocalories per 100 grams of product. In addition, eating fish replenishes the deficiency of phosphoric acid in the body, which is beneficial for the skeleton. Avocado pulp has a beneficial effect on the condition of the liver. Required ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado;
• 100 g feta cheese;
• 200 g lightly salted salmon;
• 3 pieces of chicken egg.

First you need to peel the fruit. To do this, it is cut in half lengthwise, the bone is removed from the inside, and the pulp is separated from the hard crust using a spoon. Then you need to crumble the feta cheese. Boil the eggs, then peel them and separate them into yolks and whites. The yolks are grated on a fine grater, the whites are cut into cubes. Salmon is cut into small pieces. Place avocado, fish, feta cheese, and chopped egg whites on a salad plate. Mix everything thoroughly, add salt and pepper to taste, as well as mayonnaise or any other dressing of your choice. To decorate the salad, sprinkle chopped chicken yolk on top.

How to eat avocado, avocado salads

You can eat avocado fruits in their usual form, simply eating the pulp with a spoon, preparing cold snacks from it, such as sandwiches, salads, cocktails and much more.

I suggest you look at a couple of simple recipes with avocado.

Sandwich or light snack with avocado

This is perhaps the easiest way to eat the avocado fruit.

Peel the avocado, remove the pit from the fruit, and cut the fruit halves into slices. After this, you need to place the slices on a piece of bread. If the fruit is very soft, it can be spread on bread like butter.

For such sandwiches, brown bread, grain bread, bran bread, or low-carbohydrate bread are best.

You can put a piece of processed cheese on top of such a sandwich, or sprinkle with finely crushed nuts.

By adding a glass of kefir to such a sandwich, you will get an excellent snack that can easily replace dinner.

Fruit salad with avocado

Cut any fruits you have on hand, such as apple, kiwi, pomelo and avocado, into small cubes or slices.

Season with light low-calorie yoghurt, mix, and eat with great pleasure.

What does avocado go with?

As you already know, avocado cannot boast of a bright taste, but it goes well with other products that can reveal its qualities. And now I will give you a list of the main products with whom he is “friends”:

• Salt, ground pepper, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, mustard.
• Fresh greens: arugula, green onions, dill, celery, lettuce, etc.
• Cottage cheese, natural yogurt without sugar.
• Brynza, soft and hard cheeses.
• Milk and cream (in desserts, cocktails)
• Eggs.
• Tuna, lightly salted fish, such as trout, salmon or salmon, shrimp, squid and other seafood.
• Chicken.
• Vegetables: tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, Chinese cabbage, canned corn...
• Dried fruits and fruits: apples, pineapples, bananas, pears, persimmons...
• Pine nuts.

Is it possible to eat the fruit with the peel on?

When you first eat the fruit, you may wonder if you can eat the avocado peel. The shell, like the stone, contains persin. This is a toxin that in large quantities causes allergic reactions, impairing the functioning of the digestive tract.

With regular use, it can negatively affect the cardiovascular system.

Only avocado pulp is used for dishes.

Combining avocados with other foods

The pulp of the fruit has a neutral taste, reminiscent of a mixture of butter and herbs. Some varieties have a nutty flavor. What you eat avocado with depends on individual preferences, but the most successful combinations can be identified:

1. Vegetables and fruits. The pulp goes harmoniously with tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Often used in cold dishes in combination with Chinese cabbage, corn, and carrots. Added to desserts with bananas and dried fruits. However, it is recommended to give preference to combinations with sweet, sour and sour fruits.
2. Seafood. The taste of the fruit is combined with salmon and salmon, in harmony with shrimp, mussels or squid.
3. To prepare pastes and sauces, the fatty pulp of the fruit is combined with mustard, pepper, lemon juice, pine nuts and herbs.
4. The combination of fruit with soft varieties of cheese gives the dishes an original taste.

The taste of avocado is combined with low-fat protein products, light grains, spices, and piquant heat. When selecting products, you need to take into account the high fat content and calorie content of fruits (about 160 kcal per 100 g). Combination with fatty foods (for example, nuts, cream or pork) can cause discomfort in the digestive tract and, if consumed regularly, leads to weight gain.

How much can you eat per day

If you don't have an allergy, you can eat avocado every day. If you want to lose weight, you need to take into account that 1 fruit weighs about 200 g and can contain up to 400 kcal. In order to replace other fat-containing foods, you can eat 1 piece or 2 small fruits per day (the norm for an adult), however, with a full diet, it is recommended to limit yourself to half a fruit. In this case, there will be no risk of weight gain.

During pregnancy, the product is included in the diet with the permission of a doctor, 1 or 2 slices.

Children over 1 year old can be given 1 tsp of avocado. per day (with the permission of the pediatrician). The amount increases gradually, by the age of 3 it is 0.5 of a whole fruit.

Eating the fruit at night

Nutritionists have different opinions regarding eating avocados at night. The pulp of the fruit has a high energy value and a large amount of plant fibers, which ensure the absence of hunger for a long time. From this point of view, fruit can replace a hearty dinner.

However, due to the individual characteristics of the digestive organs, liver and pancreas, a large amount of vegetable fats can cause a feeling of heaviness. Eating large quantities of fruit at night can cause insomnia.

If there are negative effects, it is recommended to eat avocados in the morning or during the day. If you feel well, it is better to eat fruit 2-3 hours before bedtime so that dinner has time to digest.

In the evening, you can use light meal options, such as smoothies or sandwiches with fruit pulp. The main condition is the absence of fatty, salty and smoked ingredients in the recipe. Evening meal options:

1. Wash and tear arugula (100 g) into pieces, place in a salad bowl. Peel, slice and sprinkle a whole avocado with citrus juice. Cherry tomatoes (10 pcs.), cut in half. Mix all ingredients. Add 1 tbsp. vegetable oil, balsamic and soy sauce. Season the salad with salt and pepper.
2. Chicken fillet (low-fat, 200 g) cut, boil. Place onion and bell pepper (cut into cubes) into the prepared broth. Bring the soup to a boil, cool. Add the pulp of 5 avocados, lemon juice, coriander, and grind in a blender to obtain a puree soup. Then add salt to taste.

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Buddha bowl is another evening dish option. The preparation is as follows:

1. Boil buckwheat.
2. Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper and fry on both sides. After cooling, cut the fillet into slices.
3. In a separate container, chop Chinese cabbage, add thin onion half rings and grated carrots. Salt the salad and add olive oil.
4. To prepare the sauce, cut half of the avocado into pieces, pepper, add olive oil, garlic, lemon juice. Grind all ingredients in a blender until pureed. Season the mixture with pepper and salt.
5. Cut feta cheese, olives and tomatoes into pieces. Cut the unused half of the avocado into slices and sprinkle with citrus juice.
6. You can start assembling the dish. Buckwheat is laid out on a plate, vegetable salad, chicken breast, cheese, tomatoes and avocado are laid out on top. The sauce is placed on top.

Another dinner option is a fat-burning cocktail. To prepare it, chop the flesh of 1 avocado and add 50 ml of frozen low-fat yogurt. Add the juice of half a lime to the ingredients, 1 tsp. cane sugar or sweetener. All components are crushed with a blender; if desired, you can add pieces of ice. The finished cocktail is poured into a tall glass, which is decorated with a slice of avocado.

Is it possible to eat darkened fruit?

The suitability of a fruit for consumption is assessed by the appearance of the pulp. The presence of black dots and darkened areas inside the fruit indicates that the fruit is overripe due to violation of storage rules or improper transportation. Fruits spoil due to excess moisture, prolonged exposure to low temperatures, or sudden changes in climatic conditions. Whether a darkened avocado can be eaten depends on the area of ​​the dark areas. If they do not occupy more than 10% of the surface and are located far from the bone, then they can be cut off with a spoon or the tip of a knife.

It is better not to eat overripe fruit, because the pulp of such avocados is bitter. The fruit is not suitable for consumption if the black spot is located around the pit on both halves and extends throughout the depth of the pulp. This is a sign of rotting that has begun. In this situation, it is not possible to remove the damaged areas; such fruit loses its taste and beneficial properties, and cannot be used for cooking.

Darkening of the surface of the flesh of cut fruit is normal. In this case, the dark coating can be removed with a knife. The unused part of the fruit should be stored together with the pit and peel, this will slow down oxidation. You can also lubricate the cut of the fruit with olive oil. Another way is to place a chopped onion on the bottom of the container.

Ripe fruit should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 5 days, wrapped in cling film or placed in a container (zip-lock bag). The cut fruit should be stored in the refrigerator at the back wall, where the temperature is lower.

Rules for eating raw fruit

In order for fruit consumption to be beneficial, when choosing an avocado in a store, you need to pay attention to the absence of cracks and spots on the peel. Such defects indicate deterioration of the product. When pressed with your finger, the surface should be slightly dented.

Hard fruits are tasteless and can only be purchased if you plan to consume them within a few days.

The question of how to properly peel fruit deserves special attention. The preservation of the beneficial properties of the pulp depends on this. The highest concentrations of phytonutrients are found in the thin layer that comes into contact with the peel, so it is important not to remove it with the peel:

1. The fruit must be washed with running water.
2. Make a longitudinal cut around the bone.
3. Taking the halves of the fruit with your hands, you need to twist them in opposite directions, trying to disconnect them from the seed. The core of a ripe fruit comes off easily.
4. After removing the seed, each half must be cut into slices and carefully peeled, like from a banana. Another method you can use is to remove the pulp from the peel with a spoon.
5. The avocado pit is not eaten. In folk medicine, there are recipes using the seed of the fruit, but use for medicinal purposes requires caution and consultation with a doctor (the seed can cause severe poisoning).

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The fruit should be peeled immediately before consumption. A plastic or ceramic knife is used for cleaning; contact with metal accelerates oxidation processes. If you wish, you can eat only part of the fruit; you should not peel the whole fruit. The untouched half should be left in the peel in the refrigerator.

Ripe avocados can be frozen, and using frozen puree to make sauces and appetizers is one way to eat avocados raw.

The pulp is crushed in a blender, lemon juice is added. The mass is whipped and placed in an airtight plastic container. You cannot completely fill the container; free space is necessary, because... When frozen, the mass expands. The product shelf life is 6 months. When frozen, the pulp retains a complex of useful substances.

The fruit can be consumed just like that, choosing the most convenient way:

• there are peeled slices;
• spread on bread;
• scoop out the pulp with a spoon, like ice cream.

Another way to eat avocados is to dice the fruit into halves before peeling them. In this version, pieces of pulp should be removed with a spoon.

To make the product tastier, you can pour olive oil or soy sauce over the pulp, add salt and pepper.

Is it possible to eat unripe fruit?

The pulp of unripe fruit has a bitter taste and is tough. It contains a toxic compound that can cause symptoms of poisoning or digestive upset. The peel of unripe fruits has a green tint (when ripe it becomes yellowish and brown).

Unripe fruits are not suitable for cooking; eating them will not bring pleasure. To ripen, the fruits should be marked in a paper bag for 3-5 days and left at room temperature. To speed up the process, you can add an apple or banana along with the avocado, which actively release ethylene. The gas is retained in the bag and stimulates the rapid ripening of the avocado.

How can you grow fruit yourself?

Buying and preparing an avocado can be done by absolutely anyone, but growing the fruit yourself and then making a wonderful dish from it is not an easy task. Why? – The avocado itself grows from seeds that people are used to throwing in the trash. In the case when a person needs to grow a fruit and start preparing dishes from it, it is necessary to take a seed, insert it into the surface of the earth and maintain the temperature of the growth process at 18-19 degrees. Of course, don’t forget about regular watering.

After the fruit grows, you can think about answers to questions about how to eat avocado correctly and what can be prepared from it.

Who should not eat avocado?

Due to the rich chemical composition of the fruit, the question often arises of who should not eat avocados. The fruit is an exotic product, so when you first consume it, you need to monitor your health and allergic symptoms (cough, nasal congestion, swelling, eczema, itching). You should not eat avocado if you have an individual intolerance. If you are sensitive to latex, the fruit should not be consumed, because this compound is included in the product. There are other contraindications:

1. When breastfeeding, it is recommended to exclude avocados from the diet, because. If the active substances get into milk, they can cause allergies in the child.
2. Caution must be exercised in case of impaired functions of the digestive tract, liver, kidneys, and pancreas. Vegetable fats and fibers can cause diarrhea and stomach pain.

During pregnancy, there are no direct contraindications to eating avocado, if the fruit did not cause negative reactions before conception. However, due to the content of a large amount of vitamins and phytosterols, you must be careful and coordinate your intake with your doctor. With the simultaneous administration of vitamin complexes, an overdose is possible. You should not turn on this product for the first time while pregnant.

Eating avocado helps increase blood clotting, so use with caution when there is congestion in the blood vessels or a tendency to form blood clots. In case of chronic diseases, in old age, during treatment with blood thinning drugs, the inclusion of fruit in the diet must be agreed with the attending physician.

Moderate consumption of fruits will bring benefits and avoid negative reactions.

Recipes for the feast

Avocado is a product that is not so widely used in Russia. Therefore, if you take it as a basis for preparing a dish for a feast, a lot of positive comments from guests will be guaranteed. You can serve two delicious dishes: a salad and an appetizer made from the pulp of ripe green fruit.

Salad

To prepare a healthy, exotic and tasty salad you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 small ripe avocado;
• 1 chicken egg;
• 1 fresh cucumber;
• greens to taste;
• olive oil to taste;
• salt to taste.

Making the salad is simple. It is necessary to cut the boiled egg into cubes and cut the avocado pulp into cubes. Mix the ingredients thoroughly, add fresh cucumber and herbs cut into cubes. Season the vegetable salad with oil, add spices and mix thoroughly. Instead of fresh cucumber, you can add salted cucumber. Then the dish will acquire a piquant taste.

Snack

If the guests made their visit suddenly, then the hostess is faced with the task of preparing the dish in a hurry. A filling and healthy snack is perfect for this purpose. To prepare it you will need:

• hard cheese;
• White bread;
• avocado;
• salmon.

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You need to start preparing the dish by preparing the bread. You should fry it in a dry frying pan or place it on toast for a few seconds. It should become crispy. You need to put chopped avocado pulp and a slice of salmon on it. It is recommended to sprinkle grated cheese on top of the fruit and vegetable snack.

It's worth eating avocados every day. The green fruit, grown in tropical countries, contains a lot of useful substances necessary to maintain health and prolong hair. But, you should not overdo it with its use, as there is a risk of weight gain and problems with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Eating

Before you buy fruits and enjoy the pulp, first choose a quality product. To do this, when purchasing, lightly press the pulp with your fingers. Ideally, your fingers should fit into it a little, but not fall through. This means that the fruit is ripe and ready to eat. There is no need to throw away unripe fruit; it will take time to ripen. Just leave the fruit on the table for 2-3 days, then it will reach maturity, and the benefits from it will be maximum. Ripe fruit can only be stored in the refrigerator for no more than a week; the optimal temperature for storage is +3-6 degrees.

For those who never peel an avocado, we have made step-by-step instructions:

• First, rinse the fruit well under water and blot dry;
• Using a sharp knife in the middle, cut the pulp into 2 parts;
• take the fruit in your hands and rotate the halves in the opposite direction from each other so that they separate from each other;
• discard the seeds;
• Use a teaspoon to remove the pulp from the halves and enjoy its taste.

You can spread the green pulp on bread or eat it just like that. It should taste a little sweet, with a loose structure and a slight note of pleasant bitterness. The pulp contains a lot of oil, so it is often added to the preparation of vegetable and meat dishes. The fruit gives food a pleasant aftertaste and makes you feel full faster. The remaining peel from the fruit cannot be eaten; it is always left, scraping out only the pulp from the half.

Some people do not throw away the pit from the fruit, but also eat it. Nutritionists say that the bone can be eaten, but only in small quantities, no more than 1 piece per day. It has a specific taste: bitterness is felt, but the benefits from it are no less than from the pulp. Eating seeds helps strengthen the body's immune capacity, slows down aging processes, prevents stomach upsets and relieves fatigue. On the other hand, the seed contains toxic compounds - tannins. With their increased concentration, indigestion occurs, and poor blood clotting occurs.

On a note!

If you want to try eating a bone, first cut it into pieces and then fry it a little in a frying pan until golden brown - now you can try it. Others grind the bone in a blender and add it to coffee or tea.

Composition of avocado

The pulp of the avocado fruit contains a large amount of minerals and vitamins. This fruit has the following composition:

• vitamins (K, C, B, E, A, including folic and pantothenic acids);
• magnesium;
• zinc;
• potassium;
• iron;
• manganese;
• phosphorus and other useful components.

The energy value of 100 g of avocado is 160 kcal. The fruit contains:

• 9 g carbohydrates (of which 7 are dietary fiber);
• 2 g protein;
• 15 g fats that are beneficial for the human body.

The complete absence of cholesterol allows you to use the avocado fruit for weight loss.