The taste of an avocado depends, among other things, on the degree of maturity. In German supermarkets, we are usually offered the popular “Hass” and “Fuerte” varieties. The fruit is not only healthy, but also simple and versatile.
What does avocado taste like
Avocados are considered a superfruit because, in addition to many unsaturated fatty acids, they also contain vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and magnesium. Their taste depends on the degree of ripeness and variety.
- A green or brown skin at first does not say anything about ripeness. The variety can be determined by color. Brown avocados have a slightly more intense taste, green avocados have a milder taste.
- On the other hand, unripe avocados have a bitter taste, tasteless and inedible. The pulp is light and hard, it is difficult to chew. Therefore, we will instinctively avoid eating them because it can lead to stomach pain, nausea and diarrhea.
- A ripe avocado has a creamy, buttery texture. The flesh is light green and light yellow, easily removed from the skin.
- The taste is pleasant nutty, creamy and aromatic. Sometimes a slight acidity is added.
How to eat avocado correctly
First of all, we should know that avocado flesh can quickly turn brown when exposed to air. Therefore, fruit should be cut only immediately before processing.
- Otherwise, a little lemon or lime juice can delay the discoloration. Adding a core the size of a ping pong ball and covering it with foil also helps.
- You can check the ripeness of an avocado by pressing on the skin with your thumb. If the contents become wet or we leave bruises, the fruit is overripe. If it gives in a little under pressure, that’s the right time. Hard fruits are unripe.
- However, avocados will continue to ripen in the fruit basket without any problems. This is especially fast if they are stored with apples or bananas, as they release the ripening gas ethylene. If you want to keep the fruit a little longer, it is best to put it in the refrigerator.
- Avocados can be eaten raw with a spoon straight from the shell. You can grill them, cut them into salads, use them in spreads and sauces.
- Sour, salty and spicy taste components harmonize particularly well with avocado pulp.
The origin of the avocado
The homeland of the avocado tree is in Central America, more precisely in Mexico and Guatemala. The trees belong to the laurel family, are evergreen and can reach a height of 15 to 20 meters.
- The fact that an avocado grows on a tree makes it a fruit. Avocado is not a vegetable.
- The Aztecs used the fruit as a food source more than 10,000 years ago and called it “ahuacatl”. By the way, avocados fall from the tree unripe and continue to ripen on the ground.
- The Spaniards were the first to bring avocados to Europe.
- Today, the fruit is grown in Mexico, Peru, the Dominican Republic and South Africa. And while the trees come from tropical and subtropical climates, Spain and Israel are also among the producers.