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February 11, 2010

Aphrodisiac fare: Avocado

Include this nutrient-rich fruit not just in your desserts, but also in your savory dishes.




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Avocado is a pear-shaped fruit with yellow-green flesh that’s creamy and buttery. Some varieties have green-colored skin, while others have dark purple or brown colored skin. A key ingredient for guacamole in the West, here in the Philippines, avocado is eaten more as a dessert or snack. It is scooped out in chunks and then mixed with ice, sugar, and evaporated milk. It is also a popular ice cream flavor and is sometimes mixed with other sweetened fruits in halo-halo. In some countries, they use avocado, instead of mayonnaise or margarine, as a spread for sandwiches.



To slice avocado, simply cut lengthwise. When the knife comes in contact with the seed, cut around it. Rotate the halves and separate them. Gently take seed out with either a spoon or a knife. Scoop out the flesh with a spoon.

Why is it considered an aphrodisiac?
Avocado’s reputation as an aphrodisiac is mainly due to its shape. The fruits hanging in pairs are thought to resemble a man's "royal jewels."

Physical shapes aside, this creamy fruit is loaded with almost two dozens vitamins and minerals that include lutein, vitamin E, calcium, iron, the B vitamin niacin, vitamin A, and folic acid. It is also packed with potassium and has a good amount of fiber and protein.
  
Another thing the avocado has that most Filipinos would be happy to know is the fact that 100 grams of this fruit has more than 17 mg. of glutathione.

It is loaded with nutrients, yes, but take note that it also has a high fat content so it must be eaten in moderation. Although more than 50 percent of its fat is monounsaturated, avocado also has a small amount of saturated fat in it.

Buying and storing
It is perfectly fine to buy unripened avocados. To hasten the ripening process, simply put them in brown paper bags and keep them at room temperature for two to three days.

If you want to make sure that you’re buying fruits that are already ripe, hold an avocado in the palm of your hand and squeeze it gently. It should have a little give but should still feel firm.

Avoid fruits that are too soft and mushy. This is an indication that it is overripe and that the flesh is already watery.

 
Avocado recipes to try:

 


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