Another popular name of Avocado is Butter Fruit. The botanical name of this subtropical tree is Persea americana and belongs to Lauraceae (Laurel) family. It is a native of Central America.
Avocado tree grows to a height of 80 feet.
The tree is dense in dark green foliage. Leaves are dark green and maximum length of up to 18 cms. The shape of leaves can be elliptic, oval or lance shaped. The leaves when young are reddish and become thick leathery and dark green as they mature.
The leaves are edible and is used either fresh or dried to prepare dishes. The leaves five a spicy fragrance similar to Anise.
Flowers are yellowish green, and around 1-1.3 cm in diameter. The inflorescences bloom at branch ends. The central axis of the inflorescence terminates in a shoot.
The fruit is either round or pear-shaped and the size and weight varies according to the type of species it belongs to.
Avocado fruits hang like bulbs from the tree.
The fruit has one large seed.
The fruit has smooth, buttery, golden-green flesh when ripe. This flesh is scooped out and used in salads, smoothies, and dips (Guacamole).
Avocado is popular with vegetarians as it is rich in protein. Avocado is also high in fiber, calories, healthy fats, folate, vitamins, and minerals. Edible oil is extracted from Avocado.
Mexico is the world’s leading producer of Avocados.
Propagation:
You can easily propagate Avocado through seeds.
Prick the seed with toothpicks and keep it floating in a glass of water, the seed will start to germinate.
Recipes using Avocado:
Avocado Moth-bean Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl
