Avocado is a superfood known for its numerous qualities and health benefits that provide the body with a complete balance of essential nutrients and antioxidants. Having known for its domestication in America to Mexico and roots in Spain as well, the fruit has been used in a number of exotic delicacies across the globe and is a favourite of many of us. while avocados are as trendy and fashionable as ever, this represents merely a resurgence of this superfood’s popularity. In fact, the produce with dark green, knobby skin, buttery texture and fresh, mild taste has a surprisingly rich & creamy heritage.
Health Benefits of Avocado
*Aids in digestion & weight management.
*Rich in anti-aging & antioxidant properties
*Good for the eyes & brain.
*Helps treat Vitamin- K deficiency.
*Reduces inflammation in tissues, muscles & joints.
*Good for the skin, and helps keep it glowing.
*A compound called beta-sit sterol in avocado has been found to help cholesterol levels.
*Helps to detoxify the body.
*Good source of potassium & folate.
*A great immunity-boosting ingredient.
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How to Prepare an Avocado before being used?
*Always prefer a firm avocado while purchasing it, do not go for the very soft and mushy ones.
*Check for bruises or cuts on the skin or surface, avoid those.
*Handle them with care and prepare them just close to use as far as possible to prevent their oxidation.
*Ripe avocados can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days wrap them in kitchen towels/cling wrap.
*Peel them, remove the stone carefully and handle the flesh with care, sprinkle fresh lime juice on them to maintain their colour and a dash of salt to keep up the bite in it.
*Olive oil or even avocado oil goes well with avocado when it comes to salads or tossing them up in a dip or salsa.
Uses of Avocado in the Kitchen
*Avocados are versatile as a fruit that is delicious in salads, sandwiches, tacos, soups, and dips like the most popular guacamole!
*Indian cuisine however has not found it being used in our local recipes but yes as a chef I have used it with chicken tikka on a canapé with a pesto chutney, with a chilled pasta salad adding it with a dash of chaat masala and tamarind chutney for the spike!
Some popular dishes with Avocado also include
*Avocado & sun-dried tomato bruschetta Italian concept.
*Avocado & roast chicken salad with minted sour cream dressing.
*Chilled avocado and basil soup with olives and flaxseeds.
*Lime & Avocado hummus with burnt garlic toasties.
*Baked Avocado mash with browned onions and sweet potatoes.
*Avocado and assorted lettuce wraps with virgin olive oil and eggplant dip.
*Avocado oil is also a good option to use in preparing healthy dips, dressing, spreads and marination for chicken or fish for grilling.
Here are a few interesting and easy recipes using AVOCADOS:
Recipe-1] CHICKEN AND AVOCADO SANDWICHES
Recipe-2] AVOCADO DELIGHT BOWL
Recipe-3] AVOCADOS AND TOMATOES ON TOAST
Recipe-4] HERBED AVOCADO DIP
Recipe-5] HEALTHY AVOCADO SMOOTHIE
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