Every year on July 31, food lovers celebrate National Avocado Day, a day dedicated to one of the world's most beloved fruits. Yes—you read that correctly! Although most people think of avocados as vegetables, they're actually a fruit, specifically a large berry with a single seed.
Whether you enjoy them smashed on toast, blended into smoothies, sliced on salads, or transformed into creamy guacamole, avocados have earned their place as a kitchen staple around the globe.
Whether you enjoy them smashed on toast, blended into smoothies, sliced on salads, or transformed into creamy guacamole, avocados have earned their place as a kitchen staple around the globe.
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A Brief History of the Avocado
Avocados have been cultivated for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests they were first grown in south-central Mexico more than 7,000 years ago. The word "avocado" comes from the Nahuatl (Aztec) word āhuacatl.
Today, avocados are grown in many warm climates, including:
Today, avocados are grown in many warm climates, including:
- Mexico (the world's largest producer)
- California
- Florida
- Peru
- Chile
- Spain
- Portugal
- South Africa
- Australia
- New Zealand
Why Everyone Loves Avocados
Avocados have become incredibly popular because they're both delicious and nutritious.
They're packed with:
They're packed with:
- Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
- Fiber
- Potassium (even more than bananas!)
- Folate
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- B Vitamins
Delicious Ways to Celebrate National Avocado Day
Make Homemade Guacamole
Nothing beats fresh guacamole.
Simply mash ripe avocados and mix with:
Nothing beats fresh guacamole.
Simply mash ripe avocados and mix with:
- Lime juice
- Diced tomatoes
- Onion
- Cilantro
- Jalapeño (optional)
- Salt and pepper
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Upgrade Your Avocado Toast
Avocado toast is popular for good reason.
Try topping it with:
Avocado toast is popular for good reason.
Try topping it with:
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Cherry tomatoes
- Feta cheese
- Smoked salmon
- Sliced radishes
- Poached or fried eggs
- Microgreens
- Chili flakes
- Pumpkin seeds
Add It to Salads
Sliced avocado instantly makes almost any salad richer and more filling.
It pairs especially well with:
Sliced avocado instantly makes almost any salad richer and more filling.
It pairs especially well with:
- Mixed greens
- Grilled chicken
- Shrimp
- Black beans
- Corn
- Strawberries
- Citrus fruits
Avocado Corn Salad
Blend It Into Smoothies
Avocado creates an incredibly creamy smoothie without changing the flavor very much.
Try blending:
Avocado creates an incredibly creamy smoothie without changing the flavor very much.
Try blending:
- ½ avocado
- Banana
- Spinach
- Almond milk
- Greek yogurt
- Honey
- Ice
Make Stuffed Avocados
Cut an avocado in half and fill the center with:
Cut an avocado in half and fill the center with:
- Tuna salad
- Chicken salad
- Egg salad
- Quinoa
- Salsa
- Black beans
Grill It
Yes—you can grill avocados!
Brush halved avocados with olive oil and grill for just a few minutes. The smoky flavor pairs beautifully with tacos and grilled meats.
Yes—you can grill avocados!
Brush halved avocados with olive oil and grill for just a few minutes. The smoky flavor pairs beautifully with tacos and grilled meats.
Grilled Avocado with Jalapeno Jelly
Use It Instead of Mayo
Mashed avocado makes an excellent substitute for mayonnaise on:
Mashed avocado makes an excellent substitute for mayonnaise on:
- Sandwiches
- Wraps
- Burgers
- Chicken salad
How to Pick the Perfect Avocado
Choosing a ripe avocado doesn't have to be difficult.
Look for:
Need it faster?
Place it in a paper bag with a banana or apple overnight. The natural ethylene gas speeds up ripening.
Look for:
- Slightly soft when gently squeezed
- Darker skin (for Hass varieties)
- No large dents or mushy spots
Need it faster?
Place it in a paper bag with a banana or apple overnight. The natural ethylene gas speeds up ripening.
Keeping Cut Avocados Fresh
Nobody likes brown avocado.
To slow browning:
To slow browning:
- Sprinkle with lemon or lime juice.
- Leave the pit in if storing half.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or use an airtight container.
- Refrigerate promptly.
Fun Avocado Facts
🥑 An avocado tree can produce hundreds of avocados each year.
🥑 Avocados don't ripen until they're picked from the tree.
🥑 There are hundreds of avocado varieties grown worldwide.
🥑 Mexico produces roughly one-third of the world's avocados.
🥑 The Hass avocado was patented in 1935 by California mail carrier Rudolph Hass after he discovered the unique variety growing in his backyard.
🥑 Avocados don't ripen until they're picked from the tree.
🥑 There are hundreds of avocado varieties grown worldwide.
🥑 Mexico produces roughly one-third of the world's avocados.
🥑 The Hass avocado was patented in 1935 by California mail carrier Rudolph Hass after he discovered the unique variety growing in his backyard.
National Avocado Day is the perfect excuse to enjoy one of the healthiest and most versatile foods available. Whether you're whipping up a bowl of fresh guacamole, trying a new avocado recipe, or simply adding a few slices to your favorite sandwich, there are countless delicious ways to celebrate.
So grab a perfectly ripe avocado, get creative in the kitchen, and enjoy every creamy bite.
So grab a perfectly ripe avocado, get creative in the kitchen, and enjoy every creamy bite.
Happy National Avocado Day! 🥑
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