Description

Avocados are characteristically buttery yet subtly flavorful pear-shaped fruits of Central American origin.

Unlike most other fruits, they feature high fat content and carry more calories. Nonetheless, they are among the popular fruits having good nutrition profile and health benefiting properties.

Botanically, the fruit belongs to the family of Lauraceae; the family that also includes some unusual members like bay laurel, cinnamon, etc. Avocado is medium sized, evergreen tree of about 20-30 feet in height featuring large green foliage cover. It prefers fertile soil with high moisture to flourish. Small light green flowers appear during winter. After about 8-10 months later, hundreds of pear-shaped green color fruits cover the tree.

Avocados mature on the tree but ripe only after their harvest. Once Ripen, their color turns from light green to deep-green or deep purple, and yield to gentle thumb pressure. Inside, its cream color flesh has buttery texture with bland taste yet pleasant aroma. The fruit features centrally placed solitary brown color seed. On an average, each fruit weighs about 300-700 g although much heavier avocados are quite common in the markets.