Peruvian Avocados

Avocados have long been a staple in my own diet and in countless dietary plans I made for patients and clients over many years. They're abundant in healthy fatty acids (mostly monounsaturated), fiber, potassium, and folate. Avocados are also one of nature's best sources of lutein, a natural antioxidant that is needed for healthy eyes and skin.

Sometimes, people report disliking avocados because of a plastic-like smell coming from their green-yellow flesh - this is typically a sign of an avocado that hasn't ripened enough. A healthy avocado that is ripe and ready to eat shouldn't have any objectionable smell - rather, it should have little to no natural fragrance and should have a naturally rich and creamy mouthfeel.

While you can get excellent avocados grown in California, Mexico, and even Florida, my experience has been that the richest and creamiest avocados are grown in Peru. Costco in Canada distributes Peruvian avocados around this time of year for a month or two, and I would hope this holds true across Costco locations throughout the States.

Avocado slices served over freshly baked sourdough bread with in-season tomatoes are a personal favourite, as are corn tortillas topped with scrambled organic eggs with chives and more avocado slices, served up with a drizzle of a good chili sauce before devouring.

If you haven't had a chance to try a Peruvian avocado, I hope you cross paths with one or several in the near future.

Raising my goblet to one of nature's healthiest fruits.