The avocado is a fruit with an exquisite flavor and a creamy consistency. It is so versatile that it goes with any meal and helps give it a special touch. In addition to being one of the treasures of Mexico, today it is also one of the most consumed foods worldwide, which is why in this article we want to tell you some of the most important things you should know about our "green gold".
Its origins
The word avocado comes from the Nahuatl "ahuacatl" and means "testicle" due to the shape of the fruit and how it is hanging from its tree; when the natives named the environment that surrounded them, they did so in a very graphic and simple way.
On the other hand, this fruit has its origins in Latin America. The oldest evidence of its consumption dates from 8,000 to 7,000 BC in the region of Tehuacán, Mexico.
Characteristics
The avocado tree is lush, with a strong, upright trunk and small yellowish-green flowers. This delicious fruit is born from its branches, which is characterized by having a green skin that, on some occasions, can vary from dark brown to red.
Inside, it has a large seed, surrounded by its edible pulp of yellow color and creamy consistency when it is ripe.
Properties
● Being a fruit rich in Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, it provides a large amount of energy.
● The good fats contained in the avocado help lower cholesterol and improve the circulatory system.
● It can help reduce inflammation of the joints and regain muscle mass.
● It contains lutein, which acts as an antioxidant and provides excellent benefits for the skin.
● It has protein, vitamin E, B, D, zinc, potassium, magnesium, folic acid, iron, and fiber.
● Its fiber helps the body to satisfy the appetite, avoid constipation and regulate glucose levels in the blood.
Varieties
Hass:
Hass avocado is one of the most consumed and grown. It is characterized by having a yellow pulp with a hazelnut flavor. On the outside, it is small, rough, and dark-skinned. Its size ranges between 120-300 grams.
Bacon:
The Bacon avocado is considered a hybrid of the Hass; its skin is green, smooth, and with some yellow spots, with a size of 200 to 300 grams.
Fuerte:
It is distinguished by its pear shape and its rough but slightly grainy skin. Its weight is approximately 250 grams, and it can be purchased throughout the year.
Reed:
Thick-skinned, green, and slightly grainy. Its shape is one of the most rounded and stands out for its size of 250 to 600 grams.
Pinkerton:
It is elongated, dark green in color, and has a taste similar to Hass. It stands out because its tree produces more fruits than the other varieties.
Curiosities
Did you know that to achieve correct pollination, avocado trees need to grow in pairs? For this reason, the Aztecs considered the fruit a symbol of love and fertility.
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