All About Avocados: Facts, Nutrients, Selection Tips, and Activities
Avocados, although botanically fruits, are considered vegetables by the USDA. They are grown in California and Mexico, with over 100 varieties available. Rich in nutrients like fiber, monounsaturated fatty acids, and potassium, avocados offer various health benefits. Learn how to select and store avocados, serving ideas, and engage in fun activities centered around this delicious fruit.
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AVOCADOS FAST FACTS Avocados are botanically a fruit, but listed and treated as a vegetable by the USDA Avocados are grown on trees, mainly in California and Mexico There are over 100 varieties of avocados seven of which are grown in California including Hass, Bacon, Fuerte, Reed, Gwen, Pinkerton, and Zutano Avocado tress can grow up to 15-30 ft tall IMPORTANT NUTRIENTS Fiber - supports gut and heart health Monounsaturated fatty acids - supports heart health Vitamin E- acts as an antioxidants and promotes healthy skin and hair Pantothenic acid- helps the body convert food to energy Potassium - helps manage blood pressure SELECTION & STORAGE Avocados that have a vibrant, green color and are firm to the touch are not ripe yet. Avocados with a darker green skin with a softer touch are ripe and ready to eat. IDEAS FOR SERVING Cut the avocado and eat it fresh with a spoon right from the skin Mash up an avocado and add some spices to enjoy as a dip, such as guacamole! Top your salad or mix into a smoothie for a creamy taste Ripe avocado can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Set unripe avocados on your counter for 4-5 days or until ripe. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
AVOCADOS ACTIVITIES Five Senses Fun! Use your five senses to describe how avocados looks, feels, tastes, sounds, and smells. Poetry Write a poem about the health benefits of an avocado. Share with the class! Discussion Discuss in groups why you think that California and Mexico became prime growers of avocados all year round. Write a Recipe Invent a new recipe that includes avocados as one of the ingredients. Compare & Contrast Make a list of similarities and a list of differences between avocados and another fruits. Are there more similarities or differences? What do you think makes an avocado a fruit? Watch a Video Find and watch a video online that shows how avocados are grown, harvested, and distributed in the United States.
AVOCADOS CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING Name two types of avocados. What type of plant do avocados grow on? What nutrients are found in avocados? What should you look for when selecting avocados at the store? What is your favorite way to eat an avocado?
AVOCADOS CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING Name two types of avocados? Examples: Hass, Bacon, Fuerte, Reed, Gwen, Pinkerton, Zutano, etc. What type of plant do avocados grow on? Example: Trees What nutrients are found in avocados? Examples: fiber, monounsaturated fatty acids, potassium, phytochemicals, vitamin E, pantothenic acid What should you look for when selecting avocados at the store? Example: Dark green or vibrant green depending on type of ripeness you want. What is your favorite way to eat avocados? Examples: Raw, on salads, on toast, in smoothies etc.
AVOCADOS REFERENCES Dreher ML, Davenport AJ. Hass avocado composition and potential health effects. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3664913/. Published 2013. Accessed November 27, 2019. How to Store Avocados. How to Video I Avocados from Mexico. https://avocadosfrommexico.com/how-to/how-to- store-avocados/. Accessed November 27, 2019. Avocado Types and Their Differences. California Avocados & Guacamole - Recipes, Nutrition & More. https://www.californiaavocado.com/avocado101/avocado-varieties. Accessed November 27, 2019
