The name Avocado comes from the Aztec word ‘ahuacatl’ for “testicle,” due to its shape. Avocados are also referred to as the Alligator Pear because of there shape and leathery skin. The avocado is actually a fruit that’s high in fat. Studies shown that substituting avocado for other sources of fat in the diet substantially lowers artery clogging LDL levels.
The avocado originated in Central America and southern Mexico. Based on archaeological evidence found in Tehuacán, Puebla (Mexico), it is believed that it appeared approximately 12 000 years ago. It has been determined that the centre of origin of this fruit is the central part of Mexico, passing through Guatemala to Central America.
The avocado fruit can be round, pear shaped, or oblong, and the skin of the fruit may vary in texture and colour. The skin may be pliable to woody, smooth to rough, and green-yellow, reddish-purple, purple or black in colour.
Fruit of avocados
