Avocado Recipe

South Beach Diet Recipe

I used to always shy away from avocados because of their bad reputation as being a 'fattening' vegetable. In one simple sentence I have written two false statements.

South Beach Diet Recipe

First of all, avocados do contain fat though most of it is monounsaturated, meaning that the fat is of plant fat origin, a natural fat, not animal fat and thus easily digested by the human digestive system. It's a "good fat" like olive oil. Though if over eaten, it can be somewhat damaging to the waistline.

South Beach Diet Recipe

Secondly, avocados are often referred to as vegetables though botanically speaking they classified as a fruit since they contain seeds, or in this particular case, a pit. Other members of the vegetable fruits are the famous tomato, cucumbers and bell peppers.

South Beach Diet Recipe

Now that I have unmasked some avocado myths, you may now savor this unique textured fruit with a healthy conscious.

Avo-History

Avocados were the first consumed by the Aztecs. Not so different from today's method of consumption, the Aztecs liked to mash the fruit then spread it on corn tortillas before devouring it.

They called it 'ahuacatl'. The Spaniards translated into 'abogado' and the French call it 'avocat' (also the same word for lawyer). Most likely, they were European attempts at pronouncing its native name.

But before making its way across the Atlantic, the avocado worked its way down south into Peru in the pre-Incan city of Chanchan. From Mexico, this green fruit made its way up through Texas and New Mexico. It wasn't until the end of the 19th century that the avocado made its way over to California and planted its roots. Carl Schmidt planted many varieties of avocado trees in 1911 in California. Only one type survived the 1913 freeze. It was name the Fuerte, remnant of its Mexican roots meaning strong and vigorous.

Today 95 percent of all avocados grown in the United States come from California. With a large variety selection, California avocados are available year-round. Florida is also a large producer of avocados.

Avocado Mousse

This dish can be prepared minus the tuna without sacrificing flavor.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: none
Serves: 4
2 avocados 1 small can tuna, packed in water, drained 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 4 tablespoons sour cream (low or fat free) 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard juice from one lemon sea salt

Cut avocados in two lengthwise. Remove pit; scoop out flesh and place in blender or food processor. Save skins.

Add remaining ingredients, purée until smooth and creamy texture. Distribute mousse evenly into skin halves. Chill if not serving immediately.

Can be made a few hours in advance.

Avocado Recipe

South Beach Diet Recipe