10 Surprising Facts About Avocados You Didn’t Know
Avocado is a fruit that has gained increasing popularity in the past few years. From being used as a toast topping to being a crucial ingredient in guacamole, the fruit has become a staple in many households. But did you know that there are more than a few things about avocados that you may not be aware of? In this article, we’ve compiled ten surprising facts about avocados that may just change the way you look at this fruit.
1. Avocados are Berries!
Yes, you read that right. Despite their common name, avocados are technically berries. More specifically, they are classified as a ‘large berry’ with a single seed. The fruit comes from the avocado tree, which is native to Central and South America.
2. Avocados Were Eaten By Dinosaurs
Avocado trees have been around for millions of years. In fact, it is believed that they first appeared during the Late Cretaceous period- the same period when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. While the avocados that we eat today may have looked different, it’s safe to say that dinosaurs also enjoyed this fruit.
3. Avocados Have More Potassium Than Bananas
Bananas are often touted as a great source of potassium, but did you know that avocados contain even more of this essential nutrient? One avocado contains around 975 milligrams of potassium, whereas a medium-sized banana contains around 400 milligrams.
4. The Hass Avocado Was Discovered by Accident
The Hass avocado is one of the most popular varieties of avocado that is consumed today. But did you know that it was discovered by accident? In the 1920s, a California mailman named Rudolph Hass purchased a small avocado tree and planted it in his backyard. When the tree produced fruit, he noticed that one of the avocados stayed on the tree longer than the others and didn’t rot. This avocado turned out to be the Hass avocado, and it quickly became popular due to its creamy texture and buttery taste.
5. Avocados Can Help Lower Cholesterol Levels
While avocados are high in fat, they actually contain the good kind of fat- monounsaturated fat. Studies have shown that adding avocados to your diet can help to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which is great news for anyone looking to improve their heart health.
6. Avocados Were Used as a Natural Dye
In the past, the indigenous people of Mexico used the pit of the avocado as a natural dye for their clothes. The pit was boiled with water and produced a reddish-brown dye that was used to color fabrics.
7. Avocados Are a Great Source of Fiber
Fiber is an essential nutrient that is important for digestive health. In addition to providing healthy fats and potassium, avocados are also a great source of fiber. One avocado contains around 13 grams of fiber, which is over half of the daily recommended amount.
8. Avocados Are Pollinated by Bees
The avocado tree produces flowers that are pollinated by bees. In fact, bees are crucial to the process of avocado production. If there are not enough bees to pollinate the flowers, the tree will not produce fruit.
9. Avocado Oil is Great for Your Skin
In addition to being a great food source, avocados also have benefits for your skin. Avocado oil is rich in vitamins A, D, and E, as well as essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6. These nutrients can help to moisturize and nourish your skin, leaving it looking and feeling healthy.
10. Avocados Are Used in Some Alcoholic Beverages
Last but not least, avocados have found their way into some alcoholic beverages! Cocktails like the Avocado Margarita and the Avocado Daiquiri are made with fresh avocado puree and are a popular choice for those who want a unique twist on their drink.
In conclusion, avocados are a fascinating and versatile fruit with many surprising facts. From being eaten by dinosaurs to being used as a natural dye, the avocado has come a long way over the years. With their numerous health benefits and delicious taste, it’s no wonder that they have become such a beloved food item. The next time you bite into an avocado, remember these ten surprising facts and appreciate this extraordinary fruit even more.
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