While many of us categorize avocados with vegetables or fruits, they’re technically berries! In the realm of botany, an avocado is classified as a single-seeded berry.
Other names:
Alligator Pear: Due to its pear-like shape and rough green skin, avocados are sometimes called “alligator pears.”
Butter Fruit: In some parts of India, it’s referred to as the “butter fruit” because of its buttery texture.
A bit of History:
The avocado, a staple in many modern kitchens, has a rich and intriguing history that dates back to ancient civilizations. Its name has an unexpected origin, stemming from the Nahuatl (Aztec) word “ahuácatl,” which translates to “testicle.” This peculiar naming choice might be attributed to the fruit’s shape and its reputation among the Aztecs as an aphrodisiac. The word ahuacatl was too hard for Americans to pronounce plus its original Aztec meaning made farmers came up with a new name: avocado.
Diving deeper into its historical roots, avocados were not just a food item but a symbol of strength and power. The ancient Aztecs and Mayans held the avocado in high esteem, often reserving its consumption for royalty and priests.
Good to know: In today’s age, where we’re more conscious about what we consume, avocados come with an added advantage. Their thick skin acts as a natural shield against pesticides, ensuring the creamy flesh inside remains relatively free from harmful residues.
So, the next time you slice open an avocado, remember you’re enjoying a fruit (or should we say berry?) with a legacy as rich as its taste!
Avocado Hacks: Using Every Bit of the Berry
1. Hair Mask: Avocado’s natural oils and nutrients can help moisturize and strengthen hair. Mash an avocado, mix it with a bit of olive oil or coconut oil, and apply it to your hair. Leave it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing for softer, shinier hair.
2. Face Mask: Avocado is great for the skin. Its moisturizing properties can be beneficial for dry skin. Combine mashed avocado with ingredients like honey, yogurt, or oatmeal for a nourishing face mask.
3. Natural Sunburn Relief: The oils in avocados can help soothe sunburned skin. Applying mashed avocado directly to the sunburn can provide relief.
4. Hand and Foot Scrub: Mix mashed avocado with some oats and rub it on your hands and feet. It acts as a natural exfoliator and moisturizer.
5. Shaving Cream: When out of shaving cream, a ripe avocado can be a smooth substitute. Its creamy texture provides a smooth surface for shaving.
6. Lip Balm: The moisturizing properties of avocado can be used to treat chapped lips. Mix a bit of avocado with olive oil and beeswax to create a natural lip balm.
7. Cuticle and Nail Care: The oils in avocados can be great for moisturizing dry cuticles and promoting healthy nails. Simply rub a slice of avocado or some mashed avocado on your cuticles.
8. Massage Oil: Avocado oil can be used as a base for massage oils. It’s thick and moisturizing, making it great for deep tissue massages.
9. Ink and Dye: The seed can be boiled to produce a natural pinkish-red dye, which can be used for fabrics or crafts.
10. Eco-friendly Dish Soap: Some DIY enthusiasts use the leftover water from boiling avocado pits as a natural dish soap alternative.
Remember, if you’re using avocado or avocado oil on your skin, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test first to ensure you don’t have any allergic reactions.
MIS team
