If you’re like us, one of the highlights of your day is probably what you’re going to eat next. And there’s no reason you can’t keep it as healthy as possible by always adding an avo for extra nutrition. Whether you’re preparing your own food at home (hello green avo sauce!) or ordering in, perfect your meals by topping them off with thick slices of avocado!
Avos are a source of potassium and are high in copper. They are also a source of fibre and antioxidant nutrients, such as lycopene and beta-carotene. Together, these powerful components can help you maintain and regulate immune function. The high monosaturated fat content in avocados may also help to reduce blood cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease, when used to replace saturated and trans fats, of course.
Here in South Africa, we are really lucky to have avocados available year-round, thanks to our local farmers growing both green-skinned and dark-skinned avos. That means we have almost a year-long supply of these equally delicious (and slightly addictive) fruits!
Buttery, creamy green-skinned avocado varieties include Fuerte, Edranol, Ryan, Reed and Pinkerton. These beauties are available from March until October. Hass, Maluma Hass and Lamb Hass are our rich and nutty dark-skinned locally grown avocados that are available from March until November.
Green-skinned avos remain green when they are perfectly ripe, but the dark-skinned varieties turn a purple-black when they are ready to eat, so keep a close eye on them. Although beautiful avocados may vary in colour, shape and size, they are all beneficial to your health and versatile to cook with.
When it comes to getting creative in the kitchen, we all know that there is no end to their use in snacks, light meals, main dishes, and even desserts, bakes and sweet treats.
To try something a little different, treat the family to a beautiful Mexican meal. These super tasty tacos with green avo sauce and charred pineapple are sure to go down a treat!
For more information, follow the South African Avocado Growers’ Association on Facebook and Instagram, and don’t forget to hashtag #addanavo
