Avocado

photo credit: gourmetsleuth

Other Names:aguacate

What is Avocado

Avocados are a new world food native to Mexico and were prized for their flavor and the food value they provided. The avocado was a staple of the Aztec diet and were used to make a mixture called ahuaca-mulli which is what we call guacamole.

Today avocados are eaten fresh in salads, used in dips and sauces and they are also used to produce avocado oil. The leaves of the Mexican avocado have a pungent anise aroma and are used as cooking herb.

The most common avocado varieties are Hass, Gwen, Reed, Fuerte, Bacon, Zutano, and Pinkerton.Lean about Guacamole

Substitute for Avocado

As an alternate try chayote squash, artichoke hearts, Frozen avocado can be thawed and substituted for fresh in guacamole, dips, soups or dressings.

Equivalents

1 lb. avocados = 2 medium whole, 2 1/2 cups chopped, diced or sliced, 1 1/2 cups puréed pulp

metric conversions →

Avocados

Favorite Avocado Recipes

Avocado Egg Rolls - Like the ones at the Cheescake Factory. Prepare these ahead of time and fry right before you're ready to serve.

Guacamole en Molcajete - Guacamole recipes are always at the top of our favorites list.!

Summer Avocado Soup - A beautiful soup served chilled with a dollop of sour cream.

Nutrition Information For Avocado

Serving Size

1 cup, pureed

Calories

384

Calories from Fat

315

% Daily Value^*

Total Fat 35g

50%

Saturated Fat 5g

10%

Cholesterol 0mg

Sodium 18mg

Potassium

1166g

30%

Total Carbohydrate 20g

10%

Dietary Fiber 16g

60%

Sugars 1g

Protein 5g

10%

Vitamin A 0%	•	Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 0%	•	Iron 0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Favorite Avocado Recipes

Guacamole in Molcajete with Tomatillos
Guacamole in Molcajete with Tomatillos - There are many variations of guacamole. This recipe for guacamole is made directly in your molcajete (stone bowl). Recipe includes avocados,tomatillos, garlic, white onion and cilantro.
Ensalada de Nopalitos With Chiles And Avocado
A recipe for a Ensalada de Nopalitos With Chiles And Avocado salad. Nopalitos (sliced cactus paddles) are made into a salad with onions, cheese, cilantro,jalapenos in escabeche and avocado.
Fish Tacos With Avocado And Tomatillo
Recipe for Fish Tacos With Avocado And Tomatillo. Simmering rather than frying the fish keeps these fresh fish taco a healthy food option. Use fresh, ripe California Hass avocados for the best flavor.
Summer Avocado Soup
Select firm, ripe avocados for this Summer Avocado Soup recipe. Under or over ripe avocados will not give you the best results. Hass avocados are the best if they are available. Don't bother making these with Pinkerton avocados or the soup will be beyond bland.
Tomato & Avocado Salad
Simple and yummy does not mean lots of salad dressing. Try this with just a little extra virgin olive oil. I use one that has garlic in the oil. or just slice some garlic on the salad.