Avocado

• Use mashed avocado as a healthy and delicious spread on toast, crackers, or sandwiches, offering a creamy alternative to butter or mayonnaise and adding beneficial fats to your diet. Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt and red pepper flakes for added flavor.
• Prepare fresh guacamole by combining mashed avocado with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, lime juice, and salt for a classic dip or topping for tacos, nachos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes. Adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the heat level.
• Incorporate sliced avocado into salads to add a creamy texture and healthy fats, pairing well with leafy greens, grilled chicken or shrimp, and a light vinaigrette. The avocado provides a satisfying contrast to the crispness of the other ingredients.
• Blend avocado into smoothies for a creamy and nutritious boost, complementing fruits like banana, mango, and berries, and adding richness without dairy. Avocados create a luxurious texture and help you to absorb nutrients.
• Create a refreshing chilled avocado soup by blending avocado with vegetable broth, lime juice, cilantro, and spices for a light and flavorful starter. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of pepitas for added richness and texture.
• Grill avocado halves to enhance their creamy texture and impart a smoky flavor, serving them as a side dish or using them as a base for grilled avocado tacos filled with your favorite toppings. The grilling process caramelizes the sugars, creating a unique taste experience.

• May help lower bad cholesterol and improve heart health.
• Good source of healthy monounsaturated fats for energy and cell function.
• Rich in fiber, promoting digestive health and regularity.
• Contains essential vitamins and minerals like potassium, vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate.
• May aid in weight management due to its high fiber and healthy fat content.
• Supports eye health with antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin.

Avocados are best stored depending on their ripeness. Unripe avocados should be kept at room temperature until they yield slightly to gentle pressure. To speed up ripening, place them in a paper bag with an apple or banana. Ripe avocados can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days to prevent over-ripening. Cut avocados should be drizzled with lemon or lime juice and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to minimize browning.