Mexican food just isn’t the same without guacamole. What is it about that green zesty dip that makes it so popular?
Eddie’s Mexican Restaurant delves deeper into authentic guacamole.
History of Guacamole
Guacamole is made from avocados. Avocados are grown and cultivated in Mexico Central America, and South America and have been around for thousands of years. Guacamole was invented by the Aztecs and when the Spaniards arrived in the New World, they discovered an Aztec sauce called ahuaca-molli. Molli was a word for “something mashed or pureed”, and ahuactl referred to testicles, or the stone fruit that reminded them of testicles. The bumpy green appearance of avocados led many to call them “alligator pears”. In the early 20th century, the California Avocado Growers’ Exchange didn’t like this name. They became known as calavo to butter pear to avocado pear before avocado finally stuck.
Hass Avocados
The origins of avocado can be placed in Mexico, that is a fact as Persea tree, the plant that produces avocados, comes for central and eastern highlands of Mexico where the seeds of avocados began to be cultivated. While there are many varieties of avocado throughout the world, the most widely known is the Hass. These avocados are actually named after a mailman. Rudolph Hass bought the seedling from a farmer in 1926 and filed a patent in 1935. The original tree stood for nearly 70 years in California bearing fruit the entire time. When it comes to avocado production, California dominates! In fact, California accounts for 97% of avocado sales in the U.S. in 2018. They also accounted for 80% of all avocados eaten worldwide. Hass avocados are popular because they are great for exporting and importing. They ripen more slowly than other kinds. The first Mexican producers of avocados utilized them as part of a healthy diet and as a payment method.
Health Benefits of Avocados
The properties and benefits of avocados are quite important. The effects of avocado’s nutrients in the regulation of cholesterol levels or the prevention of cardiovascular diseases is extraordinary. Many consider avocados a superfood. Avocados offer a lot of fiber, potassium (more than a banana!), and vitamins B6 and C. They can even out you in a better mood as they are also rich in folate. Avocados may not be sweet, but they are a versatile food with a creamy, buttery texture. The rich flavor comes from the high-fat content, but that fat can be very healthy. The type of fat is mostly a mixture of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Polyunsaturated fats are necessary for your body to function and are used to build cell membranes and the coverings of your nerves. These fats also make it possible for your blood to clot and are necessary for muscle movement. Monounsaturated fats are like the fats found in olive oil and can aide in the reduction of inflammation, lower the risk of heart disease and also have anti-cancer benefits.
Traditional Mexican Cuisine in Las Vegas, Nevada (Just Minutes from Summerlin, North LV & Henderson, NV)
Eddie’s Mexican Restaurant will be open in September 2019. We look forward to serving you some tasty guacamole with many of our delicious Mexican dishes!
