Saturday, September 03, 2005

Ahuacatl

I love avocados - so delicious and great on everything. As an homage to my homestate here is some interesting information on the alligator pear (what the English in Jamaica call the avocado).
In the past the avocado was known as an aphrodesiac and if one were seen purchasing avocados, they might be subject to some behind-the-back whispering. The avocado industry had to create an ad campaign to change the public image of the great green avocatier (French for avocado). So the next time someone is giving you a strange look as you pick out your avocado for dinner, you know why.
In 1672, W. Hughes (who was the physican to Charles II of England) wrote, "One of the most rare and pleasant fruits of the island. It nourisheth and strengtheneth the body, corroborating the spirits and procuring lust exceedingly." Hmmm.
In 1871 Judge Ord of Santa Barbara obtained avocado trees from Mexico and had the first successful introduction of trees to California.
California now grows 95% of the world's avocados and we are the world's largest consumers of avocados.
Avocados are rich in Vitamin E, which is excellent for the skin.
In Latin America, avocados are given as wedding gifts.
San Diego County is the Avocado Capitol of the United States.
43.6% of U.S. households purchase avocados.
I definitely agree with the California Avocado Commission when they say that "Everything tastes better with Fresh California Avocados!"

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have already worked out a plan that should I ever end up living on the east coast, my mom will send me (by mail) a supply of the delicious devils on a regular basis.

Must cover all contingencies you know. : )

Wesley said...

fo shizzle! me encantan aguacates!
and i would like to note that not only is vitamin e good for your skin, it is also an antioxident as well as other wonderful health facts you should know about avocados...
while one serving of avocado may contain 5g of fat, avocados are high in unsaturated fats which can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and contain essential fatty acids which your body needs and cannot produce itself.
note also that avocados also contain the following:

lutein - a carotenoid associated with healthy eye, heart and prostate function.

glutathione - functions as an antioxidant like vitamin E.

beta-sitosterol - helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

folate - helps promote healthy cell and tissue development.

potassium - helps balance the body's electrolytes.

oh, i almost forgot...avocados are also a significant source of dietary fiber...yay regularity!

so remember...avocados are cholesterol- free, sodium-free and low in saturated fat...eat 'em up!