What to do with Avocados

Avocados are fruits which grow on Persea Americana trees which are native to Mexico. Avocado is also known as 'Alligator Pear'. They have green tough skins which are textured and they are pear shaped.

The flesh inside the tough skin is the edible part. It is soft and creamy and very rich. There is also a large stone inside which can be easily removed.

Although avocados are high in fat they are still very healthy. They contain mono and polyunsaturated fats, which are the 'good' fats, as they contain omega 3 fatty acids which are vital for hair, skin and eyes. The good fats are unlike saturated fats which tend to be found in cakes and cheese, as they are less harmful to the arteries and high blood pressure.

Avocado is a versatile fruit, as it is filling and contains many vitamins and minerals.

Avocados are eaten raw with the flesh scooped out and the stone removed. They are enjoyable as a snack or in a salad.

They go well with prawns, fish or melon and they are the main ingredient in the Mexican dip guacamole.

Add lime, chopped coriander, onion, tomato and seasoning to avocados and mash together to make the guacamole. It can be chunky or pureed and served on french toasts or to dip chips or bread sticks.

Avocado can also be a luxury treat in a sandwich or wrap with cream cheese or ham.

Baby Food

Avocado is a soft food great for your growing baby. Mash it down or blend it in baby food as a nutritious meal rich in vitamins and good fats. It is ideal for a developing brain. Although it contains a high level of fats, it is good for baby in small amounts. Check with your family doctor if you have any concerns.

Smoothies

Smoothies are a blended drink full of your favourite fruit. You can make them yourself in a smoothie maker or in a blender with ice and fruit juice. Add avocado, banana, lime or strawberry for a healthy morning drink.

When I had eaten my avocado, I wanted to know if there was anything to do with the stone (pit) in the middle. I then came across a different way of growing plants from them indoors.

By poking cocktail sticks into the middle of the stone it is then able to balance on a cup of water. As long as the bottom of the stone is immersed in the water they should be fine.

Keep them on a sunny window sill and with any luck they should begin to sprout in a matter of weeks. Once there are leaves and roots, allow them to grow about 6 inches. They can then be planted into pots.

Ensure that you use good compost and plant them shallow in the pot, with the roots downwards.

Keep them watered but do not saturate them. They need plenty of light indoors to grow. As new leaves grow pinch out the old ones to encourage good growth. You can them keep them outdoors in the summer, but bring them inside in the winter so they are safe from frost.

You may not get any fruit on the tree for the first year or two, but grow a couple of trees together to aid pollination.

Another use for avocados are to use them on your hair and skin! Try a nourishing hair mask every now and again for glossy locks.

Hair Mask Ingredients:

1 Mashed avocado

1 medium egg

1 tsp honey

Method:

Mash together the ingredients in a bowl.

Massage the mixture in your hair and wrap in cling film or a plastic shower cap.

Relax for 20 minutes and allow the vitamins, minerals and good fats enrich your hair and scalp. The honey is moisturising and the egg contains protein. Add olive oil if your scalp is particularly dry.

Rinse out of your hair after 20 minutes. Use a mild shampoo to remove the avocado mixture as it can get messy!

Avocado is great for dry skin. Add mashed up ripe avocado to a spoonful of runny honey and smear on your face avoiding the nose, mouth and eye areas. Honey has antibacterial properties which can help soothe and skin and fight pimples.

If you have a lot of spots, add a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon as this is antiseptic.

For very dry skin, add plain natural yogurt or coconut oil to your mashed avocado. The natural ingredients are free of nasty chemicals which are found in shop bought face masks, and if you buy organic ingredients then all the better.