Avocados

Avocados are fruits with tough green or black skin on the outside. Inside, the flesh is soft, green, and creamy like butter. A large seed called a pit sits right in the middle. Avocados grow on trees in warm places and are used to make guacamole, a popular dip.

Avocado Trees

Avocados grow on tall trees that can live for hundreds of years. The trees need warm weather and lots of sunshine. Mexico grows more avocados than any other country. An avocado is ready to eat when it feels slightly soft. If it is hard, you wait a few days for it to ripen.

Eating Avocados

Avocados have a mild, nutty taste and a smooth, creamy feel. They can be mashed to make guacamole, a dip with lime, salt, and onions. People also put avocado on toast, in sandwiches, and on salads. Unlike most fruits, avocados are not sweet. They are full of healthy fats that are good for your body.

Fun Facts

• Avocados are sometimes called 'alligator pears' because of their bumpy skin.
• Americans eat over 8 pounds of avocados per person each year.
• One avocado tree can grow up to 500 avocados in a year.

Did You Know?

Avocados do not ripen on the tree. Farmers pick them while hard, and they only get soft and ready to eat after they are off the branch.