Ah yes, the elusive avocado – well, maybe it’s not all that mysterious after all, but if you don’t know what you’re doing when it comes to choosing one and preparing it, read on my friend. Avocados are a beautiful fruit, and can be made into countless wonderful dishes. But you have to choose wisely, or you will be disappointed. They are flavourful, high in fibre and vitamins and also in the good fat your body likes – yes, there *is* such a thing.
The trick to picking out the perfect avocado is actually quite simple. First, pick one that is firm, but has a slight give to it when squeezed. It should feel as though if you pressed it hard, it would leave a dent. It should never feel mushy or really soft, if it does it is way too ripe. Second, you want to look carefully at it’s colour. It should be a dark greenish-brownish (how’s that for an accurate description?) 😀 If it is brown, it is too ripe, and if it is purely green, again keep looking.
To peel your avocado, first, score all the way around the avocado to pit depth length-wise with a paring knife. Next, twist the two halves in opposite directions from each other and pull gently to separate. Once you have your two halves, scoop out the pit with a small spoon. Then, cut each of the two halves in half so you have four (confused yet?) Now, you will be able to remove the peel easily, and chop into whatever size pieces you need. Voila – the avocado is ready to use!
Now, you didn’t think I would go through all of that without giving you a great new avocado recipe idea, did you? Try this yummy dip, and experiment with your own rendition. Enjoy!
Easy Avocado Dip
2 ripe avocados, peeled and mashed
1 or 2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1 TBSP lime juice & a little grated zest
1 TBSP pineapple juice
1/2 cup fresh pineapple, chopped into small pieces
1/2 red pepper, finely chopped
1 roma tomato, finely chopped
1/2 cucumber, peeled and finely chopped
Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl, and serve with blue corn tortilla chips for dipping, or with sprouts, lettuce, grated carrots and toasted nuts in a veggie wrap.
