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Avocado source, production, attributes and guidelines

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Avocado source, production, attributes and guidelines

The avocado, also known as flavorful, is an evergreen plant from the pea family that originates from the tropical, warm regions of the Americas. It resembles a pear, has a thick, wrinkled skin (usually dark green or brown, depending on the variety) and a large, light seed in the middle. These fruits have gained popularity worldwide, and their price has risen over the past few decades. It is estimated that by 2030, avocado could become the second most popular tropical fruit after bananas, surpassing pineapples and mangoes. Due to its health benefits, avocado is considered a superfood and is valued for its taste. It is often used in the kitchen to prepare dishes in both sweet and savory versions. However, it is worth knowing its origin, the production process, and determining whether it can be incorporated into everyone's diet.

Table of Contents

1. Origin and production of avocado fruit

Avocado originates from the warm regions of Central and South America, where its cultivation is supported by the climate. In 2020, Mexico produced nearly 2.4 million tons of avocado, making it the largest producer worldwide. Other significant producers are Colombia, Dominican Republic, Peru, and Indonesia. Avocado plantations can also be found in Asia, Africa, and Southern Europe. Avocado is a perennial plant, and the fruits grow on trees that can reach up to 20 meters in height. One tree can produce approximately 140 kg of fruits after seven years of planting. However, avocado fruits are not long-lasting and are susceptible to various mechanical and biochemical factors, which can contribute to their high price. Storing the fruits at low temperatures can prevent their spoilage, but it can also reduce the amount of fatty acids. The avocado production also has impacts on the environment and economy, as it causes deforestation and reduction of biodiversity. In Mexico, the rise of avocado's popularity has led to the deforestation of 20% of the forests in the region of Michoacán. Additionally, avocado production has become interesting for drug cartels, leading to kidnappings of growers and their families and the collection of high protection money.

2. Properties of the avocado fruit

Avocado is considered a fruit with high nutritional value and the highest energy value. It contains only a small amount of carbohydrates, but is rich in fats, mainly unsaturated fatty acids. The nutritional value of avocado per 100 g: energy value: 160 kcal, proteins: 2 g, fats: 15.3 g, carbohydrates: 7 g, dietary fiber: 6 g. Avocado also contains fat-soluble vitamins that are rarely found in other fruits (including vitamins A, E, and D), folic acid, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, and vitamins from the B group. The potassium content in avocado is higher than in bananas, therefore it is recommended for people with hypertension, kidney diseases, or athletes. The fruit is also a source of glutathione - a strong antioxidant that reduces the risk of various diseases, including cancer. Antioxidants in avocado have neuroprotective properties, protecting neurons. Bioactive substances can reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and support their treatment.

3. Regulations for the application of avocados

Avocado is appreciated for its gustatory merits and its usage in both sweet and savory recipes. It can be incorporated into salads, soups, and cocktails, and serves as a foundation for pastes, sauces, and salsas. Avocado oil is also popular and makes for an excellent addition to salads. It is an excellent choice as a healthier alternative to butter, particularly for individuals with cardiovascular conditions. In Polish stores, avocados are often hard and unripe, causing consumers to be reluctant to purchase them. A simple trick is to place them in a paper bag for a few days, which accelerates the ripening process.

4. Assorted consumable fungi, potentially with added sugar or alternative sweeteners

The ingredients are: - avocado pulp, - small tomato, - ¼ onion, - 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, - ½ garlic cloves, - ½ chili peppers, - 1 teaspoon of olive oil, - salt, pepper. Preparation: Remove the avocado pulp with a spoon and cut into small pieces. Blanch the tomato in hot water, remove the skin and cut into small cubes. Cut the onion and chili peppers into small pieces as well. Mix all ingredients and season with salt and pepper.

5. Chocolate cream involving avocado

Required components: avocado, fully matured bananas, two tablespoons of cocoa, two spoonfuls of nut butter, a single spoonful of honey. Preparation process: Peel the banana. Remove the avocado pulp using a spoon. Blend all the fruits together along with the cocoa, nut butter, and honey. Place the cream into a jar. Keep in the refrigerator.

6. Egg dish with avocado and pasta

Ingredients: 2 eggs, 1 avocado, 50 grams of smoked salmon, 2 tablespoons of natural yogurt, 1 teaspoon of mayonnaise, dill, salt, pepper. Preparation: Boil the eggs until they are hard. Remove the pit from the avocado and cut it into small pieces together with the eggs. Mix them with the crumbled salmon, yogurt, mayonnaise, and chopped dill. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Serve it with pasta.

7. Green smoothie featuring avocado

Ingredients: 1⁄2 fresh avocado, juice of an orange, 1⁄2 ripe banana, 1⁄2 kiwi, a small portion of spinach, 1 glass of water. Preparation: Peel and chop the avocado, orange, banana, and kiwi. Rinse the spinach. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend, gradually adding water.

8. This is a superfood salad featuring avocado

Ingredients include: 1/2 avocado, a handful of cocktail tomatoes, ?? 1/2 peppers, ¢ 4 tablespoons of canned corn, ‡ 4 dried tomatoes, and ¢ 1/2 balls of mozzarella, ¥ 1 teaspoon of sunflower seeds, ✓ 1 teaspoon of olive oil,  1 teaspoon of lemon juice, √ rocket, ̊ provansel herbs.
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