Avocados are Healthy! (And that ain't no guac!)

Part One of our Healthy Eating series.

Avocados have been called many things: short, irritating, pouty, too talkative -- oh, wait, no, that's what I've been called. (p.s. words hurt, people)

Avocados have long been heralded for their health benefits and for their buttery, flavorful simplicity. High in monounsaturated fats, (studies have linked avocado consumption to lower cholesterol levels). Even that stubborn US government has jumped on the avocado bandwagon, revising its official nutrition guidelines to increase the daily recommended intake.

So now that you're sold on avocados, what do you do with 'em?

1) First, choose a delicious avocado -- softer and not so green. The riper they get, the more intense their flavor. You can ripen a greener avocado by placing it in a paper bag with an apple and setting it on the counter. (Conversely, you can store them in the fridge to slow the process down and keep them around longer, in case you just bought them for the companionship. In which case, may I recommend a pet instead? :) )

2) When your avocado is ready to go, you're going to need to know how to slice it.
This video will show you!
Don't do what I did with my first avocado, and attempt to peel the skin from it like it's a common orange or something. (Side Note: avocados are slippery.)

If you're not going to use your cut avocado right away, you can store it in an airtight (super airtight! Get all that oxygen out of there!) container in the fridge, perhaps with a bit of lemon juice sprinkled on top. I've also heard tell of storing it with its pit, which allegedly saves it from turning brown, too.

3) Time to Eat!
Some ways to enjoy your avocado:
-- sprinkled liberally with salt and pepper
-- a customer recommended avocado with honey!
-- as part of your turkey sandwich
-- Grilled, like in this fancy recipe
-- and of course, as guacamole dip for your favorite corn chips.

Do you have a favorite avocado recipe? Send it along to submissions@jackshealthfoodcountry.com!

4) Uh Oh. Now you're in love.
What to do, what to do?
Aside from buying more avocados, you can always show your love with these dapper Avocado Earrings Or perhaps crochet an avocado of your very own. Or treat your face to an avocado face mask.

Submitted by Angelina