AVOCADO

What is avocado?

Avocado is a tropical fruit native to Central America and Mexico, known for its soft and creamy pulp. It is rich in healthy fats, especially monounsaturated fatty acids, and has a smooth texture that makes it ideal for guacamole, salads, smoothies, or as a side dish in various dishes.
In addition to its high content of healthy fats, avocado is a good source of fiber, vitamins (such as vitamin E, K, and several from the B group), and minerals like potassium. It is considered a nutritious food beneficial for cardiovascular health and skin.

Nutritional properties

Avocado is very nutritious and offers a variety of health benefits. Its main nutritional properties include:

• Healthy fats:
  It mainly contains monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health. These fats help reduce LDL cholesterol levels (bad cholesterol) and increase HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol).
  It is an excellent source of oleic acid, which is also found in olive oil.
• Fiber:
  Avocado is an excellent source of dietary fiber. A serving of avocado (approximately 100 grams) contains around 7 grams of fiber. Fiber is important for digestion, blood sugar control, and a feeling of fullness.
• Vitamins:
  Vitamin E: It is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
  Vitamin K: Important for blood clotting and bone health.
  B vitamins: Includes folic acid (B9), which is essential for blood cell formation and cell development.
  Vitamin C: Although not present in large amounts, it also contributes to immune health.
• Minerals:
  Potassium: Avocado has more potassium than bananas, which is beneficial for fluid balance and muscle function.
  Magnesium: Aids in muscle function, nerve function, and blood sugar regulation.
• Antioxidants:
  It contains antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health and help prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals.
  Low in carbohydrates:
  Despite being a fruit, avocado has a relatively low carbohydrate content, making it suitable for low-carb diets.

All avocado properties - Mentta Blog

Avocado varieties

It has different avocado varieties such as:

• Hass:
  It is the most common variety and the most consumed worldwide. Its skin is rough and dark green to purple when ripe. It has a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor. It is the most popular type of avocado for making guacamole and other dishes.
• Fuerte:
  This variety has a smooth, green skin, even when ripe. It is larger and more oval than Hass. Its flavor is milder and its pulp is slightly less creamy than Hass.
• Bacon:
  Bacon avocado has a thin, smooth skin that remains green even when ripe. Its flesh is light and smooth, with a milder and less fatty flavor than other varieties. It is more common in temperate climates.
• Zutano:
  It is a larger, lighter variety, with light green skin and a less creamy flavor. It is known to be less fatty and has a wetter texture.
  Pinkerton:
  Pinkerton avocado has an elongated shape and a rough, thin skin. Its pulp is creamy and has a very pleasant and mild flavor. It is highly valued in the market for its texture and taste.
• Reed:
  This avocado is rounder and has a thick, light green skin. Its flavor is mild, with a dense and creamy pulp. It is larger than Hass and is mainly found in California.
• Lamb Hass:
  It is a larger and more resistant variation of Hass. It has a very similar flavor and texture to Hass, but its skin is thicker and less prone