Avocado, often referred to as a superfood due to its high nutrient content and healthy components, has found its way onto many tables around the world. Avocados are particularly healthy and have become indispensable due to their health benefits and unique flavor. They have been associated with weight loss as part of a balanced and healthy diet.
Avocados contain monounsaturated fatty acids that can help reduce levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and increase “good” cholesterol (HDL). Additionally, the nutrients in avocados can strengthen both the heart and the circulatory system, and they have antioxidant properties that contribute to heart health. They are particularly healthy because they contain a lot of saturated fatty acids, potassium, and B vitamins, and they are an excellent source of vitamins such as vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin C, and B vitamins like folic acid and vitamin B5, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium.
Choosing and storing avocados correctly is very important to preserve their taste and nutritional value. When buying avocados, it is advisable to prefer those with the stem intact, as it helps to preserve the freshness of the fruit and extends its shelf life. Avocados without stems are at a higher risk of rotting quickly and may face the risk of mold and rotting.
If the flesh of the avocado is still firm and can be slightly pressed with a finger, it should be left to ripen for a few more days. Once at home, the avocado should not be placed in the refrigerator but stored at room temperature. To soften an unripe avocado, store the fruit in a dark and non-humid environment.
There is a trick to accelerate the ripening of an avocado. Newsit suggests obtaining a paper bag from your local supermarket’s grocery store. “Place the avocado in the paper bag, making sure it is not torn, along with an apple or banana,” Newsit advises. Apples and bananas emit ethylene, a natural gas that accelerates the ripening process. The paper bag traps the ethylene around the avocado, speeding up its ripening. Close the bag and leave it at room temperature. Check the avocado daily, as its ripening may take from one to three days, depending on its initial condition when purchased from the supermarket. This method is completely natural and effective, without the use of chemicals or other processes.
To prevent avocados from rotting, place them side by side without touching each other. If the avocado lacks a stem, applying pure olive oil to the pit cavity can help keep it fresh for a longer time.
Proper preparation of avocados is crucial. One common mistake is not washing the avocado thoroughly under cold water before cutting. If the skin of the avocado is not washed with water before cutting, toxic chemicals and pesticides can end up in the food. This washing advice applies even to organically grown avocados, as they can also be contaminated with bacteria.
Many consumers try to remove the round pit with a sharp knife from the flesh of the avocado. The pit of the avocado is very hard, causing the knife to slip, and sharp blades can cause painful injuries to the fingers or hand when cutting avocados.
To prevent a cut avocado from turning brown, it is recommended to store it without removing the seed. Alternatively, after cutting, rub the surface with lemon juice and wrap it in cling film to store it in the refrigerator to prevent browning.
The avocado pit itself can be utilized. The avocado pit is full of antioxidants and fiber. It can be kept and used as a powder in smoothies or muesli. Alternatively, an avocado plant can be grown from the pit.
