Finger food mania: Avocado
Go to:
See the next story in this category | Go to previous story | Send to a friend!
Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers
Avocados are the most practical "go anywhere, eat anywhere" food. They do not need to be cooked, require no refrigeration, they come with their own carrying case and even have a built-in serving bowl! So next time you and your baby are on the go, drop an avocado and a spoon in your diaper bag and you are all set!
The handiest method for preparing an avocado is to cut the pear-shaped fruit in half length-wise with a sharp knife so that you cut in to and all around the pit; then rotate and pull the two halves apart. Remove the pit. With the knife, gently make a cross-hatch pattern throughout the halved fruit while the skin is attached, then use a spoon to separate the flesh from the shell by scooping the soft, ripe fruit gently. The skin becomes the serving bowl.
Yummy, quick, sweet treat
Spread some avocado right on a graham cracker. For an older toddler, add a few raisins and make "Ants on the grass!"
Age to introduce: About 9 months
About the avocado
The avocado is a fruit that tastes more like a vegetable with a smooth consistency and a rich, nutty flavor. It is one of the world's few fruits that contain fat. Fortunately, most of the great tasting fat is the good monounsaturated variety. Along with a healthy dose of fat, the avocado is densely packed with plenty of nutrients.
The avocado is proudly recognized as having the highest fiber content of any fruit, it contains 60 percent more potassium than a banana, and it is the highest fruit source of vitamin E -- and that is just the beginning!
Studies have shown that nutrients in avocados can help slow the aging process, lower cholesterol levels, fight heart disease and fight eye diseases; such as cataracts and macular degeneration. They can help protect against birth defects during pregnancy. They also contain cancer-protecting nutrients, especially for prostate cancer.
Avocados ripen off the tree, which is why they can arrive at your market somewhat hard. There are many different varieties of avocados with different shades of green skin and smooth to bumpy skin texture. All varieties of avocados taste great! No matter the variety, ripe avocados should yield to gentle pressure.
More for you!
Send this page to a friend!
All SheKnows home & garden features
Come visit our message boards
Book pick: Living Your Joy - A Practical Guide to Happiness
About the authors: Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers are sisters, the mothers of five children and founders of Fresh Baby. Creators of products that include the So Easy Baby Food Kit and Good Clean Fun Placemats; Fresh Baby offers parents convenient and practical support in raising healthy children. Visit them online at www.FreshBaby.com and subscribe to their Fresh Ideas newsletter to get monthly ideas, tips and activities for developing your family's healthy eating habits! Fresh Baby products are available at many fine specialty stores and national chains including Target, Wild Oats, and Whole Foods Markets.
