Avocado, Anyone?
We just adore avocados and we know you do, too! It’s one of the reasons we put together our Avocado and Mint Hand Sanitiser. But it isn’t all about the fresh, ‘I want more’ smell. Avocados have to be just about the prettiest and tastiest ‘greens’ around. They’re also very versatile, maxi-nutritious and are really easy to prepare.
Also, since they’re plentiful and quite inexpensive at the moment, there’s never been a better time to look at some new ways to put more avocado into your life!
Eat it
- In some countries, avocado is known as ‘butter fruit’ and it’s easy to see why. Use it as you would use butter – straight from its skin – and spread it on toast (obviously) and on sandwiches and crackers
- Sliced, in wraps and salads, it pairs perfectly with chicken, seafood and most cheeses
- Use it on pizza, as a topping, and pasta sauce, for ‘creaminess’ without the cream
- As a dessert: Did you know, avocado can actually be used as a base for a mousse? That’s right! Whether you like chocolate, raspberry, or strawberry, it replaces the eggs and cream in your favourite recipe (great for vegans). To get the right consistency, you might need to add just a little milk (dairy or other) or coconut cream.
Drink it
- The avocado smoothie is the best! Start with one avocado. For sweet and fruity, add banana, mango or berries, with a little honey. For a spicier version, add ginger and cinnamon and even a touch of chilli. For healthy ‘green’ energy, try combining it with spinach or young kale. Blend it, then chill it or pour it over ice and you’re set to go!
- Garnish it with mint!
- avocado smoothie is the best! Start with one avocado. For sweet and fruity, add banana, mango or berries, with a little honey. For a spicier version, add ginger and cinnamon and even a touch of chilli. For healthy ‘green’ energy, try combining it with spinach or young kale. Blend it, then chill it or pour it over ice and you’re set to go!
- An avocado ‘milk’ shake is an easy alternative. Blend the flesh with your favourite milk. Dairy is fine, but for a vegan option, or just because it tastes great, try oat milk (it’s really thick and creamy); rice or almond milks also work well. Garnish it with mint!
- These drinks are nutritious and satisfying and because they’re high in fibre, they’re also good for controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Wear it
Yes, seriously. You can have a super effective (and super economical) face mask that literally grows on trees. An avocado is packed with vitamins, antioxidants and natural oils to keep your skin hydrated, supple and can even possibly reduce redness and blemishes.
Blend the flesh with the juice of a lemon, a dollop of honey and two large tablespoons of natural yoghurt. Slap it on, leave it for 20-30 minutes, then rinse off. A natural skin-friendly facial that’s almost good enough to eat – oh wait... you actually could!
Store it
- Did you bring home a couple of rock-hard avocados? Don’t worry, we are all guilty of this. Unlike most fruits, they ripen after they are picked. It might take a few days if you leave them at room temperature. If you’re impatient, pop them in a bag with an apple or a banana. These fruits give off a gas that helps avocados ripen faster.
- Although we can’t imagine why, you just might occasionally have half an avocado left over. If you leave the stone in it and rub the fleshy side with a few drops of lemon juice and store it in a closed container in the fridge it will stay fresh - well, for a few days, anyway.
And when you’ve finished with your avocado creations, don’t forget to wipe your bench tops with a little spritz of Avocado and Mint. That hint of fragrance is the gift that keeps on giving....