Avocados

Did you know that avocados are just $0.99 at Niagara Produce right now? The avocado, also known by the awesome name Alligator Pear, is the fruit of the avocado tree, often used in amazing foods like guacamole, and Recipe-of-the-Month salsa. It is native to Central Mexico and well known for its many health benefits. [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="159"] An Indonesian avocado milkshake. That exists.[/caption] Avocados have 60% more potassium per ounce than a banana, and one avocado contains more than a third of your daily recommended amount of vitamin C, and more than half of your daily recommended amount of vitamin K! The avocado has a rich history, too. The oldest known evidence of the use of avocados dates back to 10,000 BC! Most American avocados come from California. California avocados rank among the lowest of all fruits and vegetables in pesticide use. Avocados are hand-picked, and kept in coolers while in transit. When they reach room temperature, avocados ripen within a few days. To hasten the ripening, they can be placed with apples or bananas, in a brown paper bag. Once they reach the desired ripeness, you can keep avocados in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but try to use them as soon as possible. To pick out the ripest avocados, look for ones that aren't too hard, and which feel heavy for their size. Avocados are known for their huge pits. What can you do with this? Most throw them away, because they are not meant for human consumption. For a fun alternative, you could grow your own avocado tree!