Learn

What are avocados? Avocados are considered a type of fruit and a part of the berry family. Avocados are grown in tropical areas, such as Central America and South America. The exterior color of the fruit turns from green to a dark black after being harvested. This means that avocados will only ripen after being picked from the tree. Like many fruits, each avocado has an oval-shaped pit. Its chartreuse colored interior (called the “flesh”) is creamy and smooth just like butter and is the part that is eaten. When avocados are exposed to oxygen, the flesh becomes a darker brown shade. Do not be alarmed by this color change, they are still good to eat! Also, avocados contain several toxins that some animals find deadly - luckily we humans are not affected!

Avocado Health Facts

• Contains about 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients
• 1 ounce = 50 calories
• 1 ounce = 81 micrograms of lutein (a natural antioxidant that may help maintain eye health as we get older)
• Healthy substitution for high saturated fat foods (mono and polyunsaturated fat content)
• Practically the only fruit that has monounsaturated fat
• Zero sodium, trans fats and cholesterol

More About Avocados
Learn how to grow your own avocado tree, or learn how to make homemade guacamole!