What is the Alligator Pear?

Smooth Like Avocado: What is the Alligator Pear?

I must admit, I’ve never heard the avocado called the alligator pear. The avocado, an evergreen tree, belongs to the laurel nobilis family. Originating in south-central Mexico and Guatemala, this fruit is also called the alligator pear or butter fruit. Avocado trees self-pollinate, and the high-fat content and nutrient density of this fruit enriches vegetarian diets. From salads, smoothies, brownies, rotis (we’ll give this recipe soon), to guacamole dips, this fruit is tremendously versatile and calorie-rich- 1 ounce of Avocado has 50 calories. Avocadoes are low in sugar, full of fiber, and have high mono-unsaturated fat aka “good fat”-which helps lower bad cholesterol.

Also, they:

Lower risk of certain cancers (prostrate and colon)
Slow bone loss and help reduce osteoarthritis symptoms
Keep depression symptoms at bay, thanks to high folate levels
Lower inflammation, as they’re rich in Vitamin E
Help reduce blood pressure by lowering sodium levels
Contain oleic acid, which lowers cardiovascular inflammation, and beta-sitosterol, which helps lower cholesterol levels
Are used in cosmetics and skin care products including homemade facemasks

As if this fruit needed to be more convenient: stoneless avocados, or “cocktail avocados”, have no pit and can be eaten with the skin. Nutritious and interesting, avocadoes are a healthy choice for good food on any table! If you’ve got any great recipes for avocado, share them with us by emailing editorjaanu@thehappyherald.org! 🥑