Avocado

Avocados are high in healthy fats and fiber. These heart-healthy fats are important for a healthy nervous system and heart. They also help to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in your body. Eating more fruits and vegetables can help lower high blood pressure.

Did You Know?

• Avocados contain healthy fatty acids, essential amino acids, and more than 20 vitamins and minerals, and they are a good source of fiber.
• Avocados have the highest protein content of any fruit.
• Avocados have more potassium than bananas.

Shopping, Preparing and Storing

• Avocados are highly perishable so unless you plan to use them right away, it is best to purchase them a little underripe.
• You can determine if an avocado is ripe by applying a little pressure to the skin. It should give slightly if it is ready. A firm avocado will ripen in a paper bag or in a fruit basket at room temperature within a few days.
• When purchasing an avocado, it should be heavy for its size and slightly firm.

Cooking Tips

• Avocados are a great substitute for foods that are rich in saturated fat.

Avocado Nutrition

Serving size: ½ cup

Calories: 117; Total Fat: 11 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Total Carbohydrates: 6 g; Protein: 1 g; Sodium: 5 mg

For more information about Florida avocados, visit the Tropical Fruit Growers of South Florida's website. 

Download a flyer to print about Florida avocados [ 1.2 MB ] .