Sunday, September 23, 2018

AVOCADO...THE WONDER FRUIT..



                              




AVOCADO...

Love this fruit called Avocado . The Latin American immigrants brought it to the US and  it became a part of the  American food. In every store you come across people buying Avocados. Hass avocado is sold @two pieces for something around  four  or five dollars. The price could vary with size and location. . Hass avocado is   slightly   round with black  brown skin.

Avocado is a  climacteric fruit. This means that it ripens only after it is harvested, just like banana.Raw or hard Avocado turns soft if wrapped in paper and kept in open for two or three days. Cut it to two pieces, remove the  seed, and transfer the soft  mass to a cup using a spoon.  Throw away the hard skin. Make a paste of avocado, onion, tomato, walnut kernel and a pinch of salt in a mixer . That makes a thick paste or   guacamole. Ideally , guacamole contains avocado, lemon juice, tomato,  onion, green chilli, coriander (cilantro) and some salt . guacamole can  be applied to bread , bagels and Chapatis as well  .. You will forget butter or jams .

In India,  i saw imported Avocados in a Gurgaon Mall. Very expensive and beyond reach. Saw cheaper local avacados in  Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka  and  Sikkim.I also bought avocados from a fruit seller near Swaran cinema , Gandhinagar, Jammu sold  @750 per kg.The man sells fruits on  cart stationed permanently near  the outer wall of the Swaran theatre building .

Avocado Is incredibly nutritious. Loaded with heart-healthy mono-unsaturated fatty acids and fiber,  many doctors say that  eating Avocados can actually  lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.In the  US, i observed  that  avocado oil is also consumed and used in kitchen.The mono-unsaturated fatty acid content in avocado oil is even higher than extra virgin olive oil and this is one of the main reasons for  its use in cooking and also  as  a hair oil of choice .Avocado oil is  is excellent for moisturizing the skin. In addition to vitamin E, avocado oil contains potassium, lecithin, and many other nutrients that can nourish and moisturize the skin.

Avocados  are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as B-vitamins, vitamin K, potassium, copper, Vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin C. It is believed that consumption of avocado is  useful for weight loss. Many Mexican immigrants in Manhattan told me that  back home ,  avocado pulp is used topically to promote hair growth and speed wound healing.

Guacamole adds a fatty silk texture to burgers, sandwiches filled with cheese or  chicken.It is liberally used in Mexican restaurants  .

Next time , try this wonder fruit called  Avocado.Make small quantity of guacamole that is consumed in one  go as it turns a  little dark due to oxidation after prolonged exposure to open air. This oxidised guacamole is also good for consumption.

(Avtar Mota)

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