Avocadoes are Delicious and Fun

 Avocados are delicious to eat and are fun to grow indoors.

Avocadoes are fruits that grow on tropical trees and are very pretty plants. They have glossy, oblong, pointed leaves. I’ve seen them growing in Southern Florida, California, and in Ecuador.

 Several years ago, on a business trip to San Diego, I visited an avocado orchard. It was very fascinating. The trees grew on steep slopes where migrant laborers climbed the trees to pick the fruit. The trees are only about 20 to 30 feet tall. In California, a tree should produce about three bushels per year under good growing conditions. Trees are not as productive in Florida.

 Avocado is a highly nutritious fruit and has long been a staple food in many parts of tropical America. Besides being rich in carbohydrates and vitamins, it also has more protein than any other fruit.

 I eat avocado toast routinely for breakfast or lunch. I also enjoy avocados made into homemade guacamole. See my recipes below.

 Most avocadoes sold here are Hass types. They are typically shipped when bright green and turn dark when ripe. A ripe avocado should give slightly when gently squeezed.

Avocadoes are very easy to grow from seed and make a nice houseplant. Kids particularly enjoy this plant project.

Start by washing any pulp off the seed. Avocado seeds (pits) are quite large (at least 1 ½ inches across). I put three toothpicks into the pit so that it sits on the rim of a drinking glass, with the broad end of the pit down. Add water until ½ inch covers the pit’s base and replenish any water that evaporates. That’s it. Now wait for it to sprout in 2-3 weeks. When it splits, it is ready to sprout.

 After several leaves and a mass of roots have formed, remove the toothpicks, and bury the lower half of the pit in potting soil in an 8- to 10-inch pot. Place the potted avocado where it will get several hours of sunlight or artificial light each day.

 Typically, avocado trees will grow a few feet tall indoors, depending on the pot size, amount of light, and other factors. Shape the plant by pruning the branches. An avocado tree will grow for many years in the home, but it is unlikely to bear fruit indoors.

Avocado Toast

• Toast 2 slices of bread (I use homemade sourdough bread)
• Cut a ripe avocado in half. Save half for the next day or for guacamole. I use an avocado hugger to keep it fresh.
• Cut the avocado  half into quarter and scoop each onto the toasted bread. Smash with a fork.
• Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper.
• I usually also add fresh herbs, usually dill, chives, or basil I grow indoors in my aerogarden.

Guacamole

• Cut a ripe avocado in half and place in a bowl. Smash with a fork (or use a food processor for smoother texture).
• Add juice of half a fresh lime and ½ teaspoon chopped garlic clove
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Optional: Add chopped jalapenos, cilantro, tomatoes, or onions/chives
• Stir and serve immediately. It will darken quickly, so plan to eat it all!

Share your favorite avocado recipe in the comments below.

Originally published in Canton Daily Ledger on 11-3-2001