Avocados are so versatile and healthy that their uses are limited only by the imagination of the user. They contain oleic acid which is a monounsaturated fat. The fat content of avocados gives it unique texture and properties which allow you use it as a fat. Its mild and mellow flavor is a great complement for bolder flavors.
Avocado butter is fantastic as a topping for steak, bruschetta, or even on your BLT. Just mix a little butter with the meat of a couple of avocados. Don’t forget to add a little lemon juice so the avocado meat doesn’t brown. Add some salt, and seasonings to taste and voila. It will keep in an opaque container in the fridge for a couple days.
Baking with avocados is a great way to introduce kids to avocados. But it’s not just for kids; vegans and vegetarians use avocados as instead of tofu in foods like mousse or pudding. Avocados have a much smoother texture than tofu which means a more scrumptious result. You can also take an overripe avocado and make avocado cookies. Avocados are also perfect for ice cream. Because avocados can be used as a fat, try swapping out butter for an avocado when making buttercream icing.
After all that cooking you’re going to need a little time for yourself, but don’t forget the avocados. Whip up an avocado hair mask at home to give your hair a healthy shine and plenty of volume. Use one mashed avocado and mix with an ounce (28 g) of olive oil or coconut oil. Start at the roots and massage the mixture in the scalp, then draw the mask down to the ends. Once applied consider taking a hot bath or shower. The warmth of the shower or bath will help the mask penetrate the hair. You'll want to leave this on for at least 20 minutes. This mask is so good for your hair, especially in extreme weather, because it adds moisture and nutrition.
Your spa day cannot be considered complete without an avocado face mask. Avocados are especially wonderful for dry skin. The vitamin E and oleic acid is a fantastic moisturizer. Avocados can also be used on normal skin. Take the meat from one avocado mash and add a little almond oil, milk, olive oil, or use it by itself. Just smooth the avocado mash over clean skin and leave on for at least 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water when you’re ready.
Now that you’ll have avocado seeds in abundance, don’t throw them out. Those avocado pits make great plants that are beautiful in the house and are easy to move outside when they get too big. Take two or three toothpicks and insert on opposite sides of the avocado seed, it might have a triangular look. Use your toothpicks to hold the seed half submerged in water, pointed side up. You can also plant your seed in soil; just make sure that the pointed end is sticking out of the soil about an inch. Once your plant gets going, keep it in indirect sunlight. Avocado trees grown from commercially produced avocados will not bear fruit, but they are a great plant for the house while they’re smaller and can be moved outside when they get larger.
There’s so much to do with avocados that it really is up to you what you want to do with them. Because of their heart-healthy fats, they should be a part of every balanced diet. Don’t forget to pick up a couple of extra avocados for your skin and hair too.
