The Avocado Store

avocado vegetable

If you could transform into any vegetable, what would you turn into?

Personally, I'd be an avocado. They're cool, green, and they have an ENORMOUS pit.
So what about you?
Tomatoes? No. They're such veggie-posers--no one knows if they're a vegetable or a fruit.

An apple!!!!!!!!

Unrefined avocado oil is considered to be one of the most healthful vegetable oils one can consume. It is a multi-purpose oil that can be used for culinary purposes (it is exceptionally high in Vitamin E  as well as monounsaturated fats), suitable for dressings and sauces as well as frying, due to its high smoke point of over 490 degrees. Organic avocado oil is also an excellent “carrier” oil for other flavors; avocado carrier oil is ideal for infusion with various herbs. In addition to its suitability as a comestible, unrefined avocado oil is also excellent for use as a cosmetic and the repair of damaged skin.

Historical Background

Bulk avocado oil comes from the fruit of the same name. The scientific name of the tree from which we obtain organic avocado oil is Persea Americana. It is native to the Caribbean coast of Mexico, and was apparently known to pre-Incan peoples of present-day Peru. The word avocado itself is derived from a word in the Nahuatl language, ahuacatl, which literally means “testicle.” This is most likely a reference to the shape of the fruit; among the Aztecs, avocados were believed to confer fertility and have aphrodisiac properties.

Europeans could not have known of the benefits of organic avocado oil much before 1500; the first written descriptions of the fruit dates from a Spanish geography text written about 1520, and the first English accounts were not published until over 180 years later.

Although not initially raised to obtain bulk avocado oil, the plant itself was first exported abroad in 1750, when the first avocado trees were planted in Indonesia. It arrived in Brazil about fifty years later; by the 1890s, avocado groves had been established in Rhodesia (present-day Kenya) and Australia. It was introduced in Lebanon and Palestine (present-day Israel) in 1908.

Today the plants that are the source of healthful organic avocado oil are grown primarily in Mexico. California, Australia, New Zealand and Kenya.

What Is an Avocado?

Although it grows on a tree and has a pit, it is actually considered a berry; that is, the source of bulk avocado oil is a fruit produced from a single ovary which ripens into a fleshy, edible pulp surrounded by a skin. Seeds are embedded within this pulp.

Botanically, the avocado is a member of the laurel family, along with the bay tree and cinnamon. There are over a dozen types of avocados grown today; however, the most common varieties are the hass avocado, which is a black-colored fruit with a pebbled skin texture and a bulk avocado oil content of approximately 19%, and the pinkerton, which has a smooth green skin.

Unlike most types of vegetable oils which are derived from seeds, organic avocado oil is extracted from the fleshy pulp of the fruit.

More About Avocado Oil

As mentioned earlier, avocado carrier oil is fine for creating different flavored oils. Although fine for humans and other primates, organic avocado oil contains a fatty acid known as persin, which can be highly toxic to domestic animals, particularly dogs, cats and horses.

Although avocados are a perennial crop in those regions in which they are grown (they can survive temperatures down to 26 degrees Fahrenheit), organic avocado oil can be expensive as relatively little of the crop is actually pressed for oil. It does however compare quite well to olive oil for taste and body; true gourmands consider the extra cost for organic avocado oil well worth it.

About the Author:

Anne Harvester writes about-- organic avocado oil.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Health Benefits of Unrefined Avocado Oil

avocado keeping

Can you prune an avocado tree?

Avocado trees grow huge, is there a way to prune them and keep them under 8 feet? I know we can do this with mangoes, not sure about avocado. Thanks.

Yes, it will be best time to do in the winter. After the branches are prune, you will expect to have less or sometimes none of avocados come back the following year due to the cutting. It needs time to recover their cut. Good luck.

There are several synthetic alternatives you could choose, each of which claims the same benefits as avocado butter, but have you really considered their benefits and the truth of what they claim? Do you understand the meaning of that large ingredients list? Let's digress for just a short while and discuss the vitamin and supplement industry.

Avocado - or avocado, as it is known in some countries is a result of Mexican origin very rich in oil similar to olive and canola, which also used a lot as well as previously stated in the field of health and aesthetics, is also widely used at present and pharmaceutical trade. This fruit is usually used as a vegetable in a large quantity of prepared salads gastronomic especially due to its delicate and smooth taste. It is worth mentioning that the avocado is not only rich in oil but also on other natural elements such as monounsaturated fats, minerals, fiber, pro-vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid, pyridoxine and antioxidants useful for the agency to continue its functions properly.

Avocados offer numerous health and beauty benefits. Being an exotic plant, a lot of us don’t include it in our daily diet. If you thing about it, how often do you purchase oranges and how often do you purchase avocados? Majority of us don’t consume this magical fruit as much as we should! According to Chinese medicine, the avocado has the ability to build blood and yin, harmonize the liver, and lubricate the lungs as well as the intestines. Aside from the Chinese medicine benefits, this particular fruit is also high in monounsaturated fat. When we hear these words we automatically assure that the fruit is calorie laden and fattening; however, that is not the case.

The avocado got its name from the ancient Aztec word for "testicle." Maybe that's why men once thought eating avocados would boost their virility.

In earlier times, avocado pulp was used as a hair pomade to stimulate hair growth and to help heal wounds. Native Americans treated dysentery and diarrhea with its seeds. Even today, its oil can be found in many cosmetics.

About the Author:

Read About Beauty Tips Read Also About Health Benefits of Avocado and How to Hem Pants

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Benefits of Avocado

planting avocado trees

Will avocado trees grow in Arkansas?

yes i planted a couple of seeds awhile back in a flower pot and they have spouted they are about foot tall or so. Now i need to know what else to do. I live in the Northwest Arkansas. I never have heard if they will grow here or not. So any suggestions i have a big house now so do i keep them in or out. Thanks for any help on this. Will they get big trees i need to put out side or what.

Thewmas has it correct..I have lived in the Florida Keys where they grow without any care at all...I am now in north Florida..about 70 nmiles from him..and we cannot grow them here.. The chances of an avacado growing to maturity and fruiting from seed does not have a very good success rate..even where they will grow..and if they do fruit...it will be a minimum of 10 years before you see results...Where you are..you will not have success of them living at all through the winter outdoors...They do however make very nice indoor potted plants..but need alot of light..and kept warm..Most commercial avacodo trees are actually grafted from another fruting tree for good success..Here is some info copied and pasted from the link below..

After eating an avocado, it is hard to resist planting its seed. To get the seed sprouting quickly, it needs immediate planting. Indoor gardeners have developed their own "traditional" planting method. This is done by poking three toothpicks into the side of the seed so that it can perch, halfway immersed in water, on the rim of a drinking glass. The seed could also be planted in potting soil, but this misses some of the fun of watching the roots and the shoots grow.

Avocado roots, like those of most other plants, need oxygen, so the seedlings would actually grow better in soil than in water. When growing a seedling in water, the water should be changed at least every couple of weeks, before it gets dirty and depleted of oxygen. One way to speed germination in soil is to remove the parchment like seed coat and slice a thin layer from both the top and the bottom of the seed before planting. In water or in soil, set the seed with its base (the wider portion) down.

Indoors, avocado plants are often gangly and sparse with leaves. One reason for the plant's gawky appearance indoors is light. Lack of sufficient light causes stems to stretch for it. Another reason is that avocados shed many buds along their stems, buds that might have grown into side branches. The result is a plant stretching out for light, sending out new growth mostly from the tips of the branches and shedding old leaves.

There are several things indoor gardeners can do to keep their plants more attractive. Most obvious is to give an avocado tree bright light. Also, the stretch for light is exaggerated when warmth stimulates growth, so the ideal spot for the plant is at the brightest window in the coolest room. Beyond that pruning back a stem or pinching out its growing tip stimulates branching by awaking dormant buds (not all are shed) further down the stem. There is nothing that can be done about the shedding of older leaves.

Every indoor avocado grower holds out hope for fruit from his or her plant. This is always a possibility, but realistically it is not likely to happen. The time from seed to fruiting under good growing conditions is about a decade. Indoors, this time period is lengthened and plants may never experience good enough conditions to ever flower, let alone ripen fruit.

Lack of fruit on an indoor tree is no great loss, because seedling trees rarely produce fruits as tasty as those on commercial trees, which are grafted to good-tasting cultivars. Indoors, avocados are best looked upon as a houseplant that is inexpensive, fun to grow and somewhat attractive.

Remember the angst ridden acne years of your youth? Or perhaps you are still a youth. By youth, I mean either adolescent or teenaged. So many people today suffer from teenage and adult acne. The effect acne has on your self esteem can be devastating.

Botanically, the avocado is a member of the laurel family, along with the bay tree and cinnamon. There are over a dozen types of avocados grown today; however, the most common varieties are the hass avocado, which is a black-colored fruit with a pebbled skin texture.

Sun protection is vital in keeping skin healthy, so always wear a moisturiser with added SPF, even if it is overcast. Korres produce a number of everyday moisturisers that help protect from the sun, such as Pomegranate Balancing Moisturiser for Oily/Combination Skin.

Oily skin occurs where there is excessive sebum production. This skin type may need more frequent cleansing than other skin types, and be prone to acne due to pores blocked by sebum. To treat breakouts, we recommend investing in a quality on the spot treatment.

Because a sheer botanical liquid lip-color is as light as water, it can be layered up to three times on the lip's surface. The layering application and technique allows the creation of the desired depth in color. For lips like Sandra's and Monique's which need color balancing.

The skin has a natural ability to heal wounds. However, as we grow old, this ability decreases. This is because the cell mitosis slows down that further degrades the cellular repair and regeneration process. Hyaluronic acid takes care of the situation and prolongs the skin's natural ability for quick wound repair.

You might be asking the different Japanese skin care products that they use to maintain their skin. For sure you want to know so that you can apply it to yourself. If you are thinking about commercialized products then you are wrong.

How Botanicals Work : It isn't the outside leaves of the plant that benefit your skin. It is the oils inside the leaves of specific plants that can offer renewal of the skin.

To improve your skin's epidermal fatty layer, supporting skin's elasticity and preventing water loss, this botanical skin care uses plant derived Elhibin and Stimu-Tex. The fifth element in this skin care line is alpha lipoic acid, which is an antioxidant that makes the skin more refined.

Reapply the moisturizer and the sunscreen, especially if you are heading outdoors. The iS Clinical SPF 20 Powder Sunscreen is not only easy to carry but also very convenient to use. It comes with a built in brush that makes application much easier than other creams and lotions and is and hassle-free.

Selecting right face cream begins with looking for natural as well as organic ingredients that are found in nature, particularly those loaded with minerals, vitamins, collagen, lanolin, and some other botanicals. All these natural ingredients are not just in nature, however majority of them are as well already found in skin.

To combat the signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin or age spots, you need to use anti-aging skin care products that specifically target the problem areas.

About the Author:

Read about Pregnancy Guide Also Read about Smooth Skin with Botanicals and Causes of Varicose Vein

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Skin Smoothness With Botanicals

avocado scientific name

Scientific names for avocado?

I was just wondering...What's the difference between persea gratissima and persea americana?

there is no difference, they are Latin synonyms for the same avocado.
"americana", since it is native to south america
"gratissima" since it is "very, very pleasing"

Unrefined avocado oil is considered to be one of the most healthful vegetable oils one can consume. It is a multi-purpose oil that can be used for culinary purposes (it is exceptionally high in Vitamin E  as well as monounsaturated fats), suitable for dressings and sauces as well as frying, due to its high smoke point of over 490 degrees. Organic avocado oil is also an excellent “carrier” oil for other flavors; avocado carrier oil is ideal for infusion with various herbs. In addition to its suitability as a comestible, unrefined avocado oil is also excellent for use as a cosmetic and the repair of damaged skin.

Historical Background

Bulk avocado oil comes from the fruit of the same name. The scientific name of the tree from which we obtain organic avocado oil is Persea Americana. It is native to the Caribbean coast of Mexico, and was apparently known to pre-Incan peoples of present-day Peru. The word avocado itself is derived from a word in the Nahuatl language, ahuacatl, which literally means “testicle.” This is most likely a reference to the shape of the fruit; among the Aztecs, avocados were believed to confer fertility and have aphrodisiac properties.

Europeans could not have known of the benefits of organic avocado oil much before 1500; the first written descriptions of the fruit dates from a Spanish geography text written about 1520, and the first English accounts were not published until over 180 years later.

Although not initially raised to obtain bulk avocado oil, the plant itself was first exported abroad in 1750, when the first avocado trees were planted in Indonesia. It arrived in Brazil about fifty years later; by the 1890s, avocado groves had been established in Rhodesia (present-day Kenya) and Australia. It was introduced in Lebanon and Palestine (present-day Israel) in 1908.

Today the plants that are the source of healthful organic avocado oil are grown primarily in Mexico. California, Australia, New Zealand and Kenya.

What Is an Avocado?

Although it grows on a tree and has a pit, it is actually considered a berry; that is, the source of bulk avocado oil is a fruit produced from a single ovary which ripens into a fleshy, edible pulp surrounded by a skin. Seeds are embedded within this pulp.

Botanically, the avocado is a member of the laurel family, along with the bay tree and cinnamon. There are over a dozen types of avocados grown today; however, the most common varieties are the hass avocado, which is a black-colored fruit with a pebbled skin texture and a bulk avocado oil content of approximately 19%, and the pinkerton, which has a smooth green skin.

Unlike most types of vegetable oils which are derived from seeds, organic avocado oil is extracted from the fleshy pulp of the fruit.

More About Avocado Oil

As mentioned earlier, avocado carrier oil is fine for creating different flavored oils. Although fine for humans and other primates, organic avocado oil contains a fatty acid known as persin, which can be highly toxic to domestic animals, particularly dogs, cats and horses.

Although avocados are a perennial crop in those regions in which they are grown (they can survive temperatures down to 26 degrees Fahrenheit), organic avocado oil can be expensive as relatively little of the crop is actually pressed for oil. It does however compare quite well to olive oil for taste and body; true gourmands consider the extra cost for organic avocado oil well worth it.

About the Author:

Anne Harvester writes about-- organic avocado oil.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Health Benefits of Unrefined Avocado Oil

planting avocado pits

A question about avocados?

I was just wondering if I planted an avocado pit in my back yard, will it grow into an avocado tree and if so, I live in the Chicago area, could it grow well and actually give me avocados???

I'm afraid it's too cold in Chicago for avocado trees to grow. They are a tropical tree, and trees grown from a seed won't grow true. Even in warm climates the tree grown from a pit seldom will bear fruit. You can start a pit in a pot and grow a beautiful house plant though. Or there is a different and fun method of starting a seed. Look on-line for sprouting an avocado pit with toothpicks.

If your pets are anything like mine, they may come off as omnivores. My Akita mix is likely to eat anything that does not eat him first. One of my cats has acquired a taste for tomato bisque and all of my dogs enjoy green pepper, zucchini and lettuce. As for my horse, she would drink all of my beer if she had the chance.

There is not much harm in feeding our pets human foods. However, there are some foods that our animal friends should definitely avoid. In addition to foods, certain plants can be downright deadly for our pets.

Chocolate and Pets Do Not Mix

Chocolate has long been considered a human food that dogs should avoid, and with good reason. Chocolate contains a chemical known as theobromine. Theobromine is similar in chemical composition to caffeine and is tolerated by humans in small amounts and is used as a therapeutic drug for certain medical conditions. Like many types of stimulate chemicals, theobromine can be harmful to humans to large doses. When it comes to animals, theobromine poses a significant health risk.

Though the danger to dogs is widely known, theobromine also poses a risk to cats and horses and other domestic pets. The metabolic process for cats, dogs and horses is significantly slower than it is for humans. An animals inability to quickly metabolize theobromine allows toxic levels of the chemical to buildup. Symptoms can range from diarrhea to muscle spasms and vomiting.

No antidote exists for treating theobromine poisoning and it is important to seek immediate veterinary help for any pet who has ingested chocolate. The vet can administer a variety of treatment options that can help reverse the toxic effects of theobromine. The key is to not wait until your pet starts to exhibit symptoms. Seek professional veterinary services immediately.

Since caffeine is similar to theobromine, avoid exposing your pet to sources of caffeine like coffee, tea, coffee beans and tea leaves.

Vegetables and Fruits to Avoid

In addition to chocolate, there are variety of fruit and vegetables that are potentially harmful to domestic pets. Just a few of the fruits and vegetables that your pet should avoid include onions, avocados, mushrooms, grapes and raisons. There are a number of fruit seeds that can cause toxicity problems for your pet including, but not limited to apple seeds, peach and apricot pits, cherry and avocados pits, and mustard seeds.

Fruit seeds and pits contain various levels of cyanide compounds. Though the amount of cyanide may not be fatal to your pet, the effects can be serious enough to require veterinary care. The best advice is to play it safe and avoid exposing your pets to these foods. Onions and similar foods such as leeks and scallions are not poisonous but can cause digestive problems and anemia in some animals so it is best to avoid them.

Candy is Sweet but Not for Your Pet

Sugar and candy may seem like a harmless treat for your pet. Problems can arise when the candy contains any type of artificial sweetener such as Xylitol. Some candy may contain cacao-based ingredients which can expose your pet to toxic levels of theobromine. If you choose to indulge your pet with the occasional sweet, make certain of the ingredients and do so only in moderation.

Other Foods to Avoid

Dogs love peanut butter and giving them peanuts in moderation can make for a tasty treat. While peanuts do not pose a risk for most dogs, other varieties of nuts should be avoided. Among the nut varieties that you should not give to your pet include macadamias and walnuts. If you have walnut trees on your property or walk your dog where walnut trees grow, make sure your dog does not ingest the nut meat or the shells. Either can cause moderate to severe digestive problems that may not show for a day or two.

The best rule of thumb when it comes to your pets and food is when in doubt, throw it out. Take a look around the kitchen and make sure that you pet-proof cabinets and pantries. It is much easier to prevent exposure to harmful foods than it is to see your pet suffer.

If you are ever in doubt about your pets health, seek professional veterinary help immediately.

About the Author:

Mitch Endick is a staff writer for the quality online store FineWebStores.com.
Shop for unique items for your home or office including Lane Lumber Support Recliners, Adjustable Beds and quality Bed Linens at Fine Web Stores.com. Visit FineWebStores.com today for all of your home decor and furnishing needs.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Foods Your Pets Should Avoid

about avocado trees

What do people do with all these avocado trees after they grow?

http://www.webspawner.com/users/vpacheco/avo156-side.jpg

I wish avocado trees could withstand severe midwest winters. When I was a child in Southern California, we had a single avocado tree in our yard. It must have been an old tree, because it was very tall. For some reason, our mother would never let us climb the tree to harvest the fruit. We had to wait until the avocados fell on the sandy ground. The bottom was always smashed, but the top part, being tree ripened, was absolutely perfect. Ruined me forever for any thing except a perfect avocado.

If I ask you what is the first anti aging product you have used? In all the probabilities the answer would be a skin care product. Yes, this is correct because the very first signs of aging appear on skin and who doesn't want to look young and beautiful. While buying the best anti-aging skin creams it’s very important to understand the ingredients used in it. You are going to use this product on your skin and anything used on skin will eventually be absorbed in your bloodstream.

While choosing a skin care product it is very important stay away from any product that contains chemicals; they do no good to our skin and are harmful to it.

In this article I will share some vital information that will help you choose best anti-aging skin creams available in the market.

1.  Coenzyme Q10
This oil-soluble vitamin-like substance is present in most eukaryotic cells, primarily in the mitochondria. It is a component of the electron transport chain and participates in aerobic cellular respiration, generating energy in the form of ATP. This is the most essential substance for revitalizing the skin by restoring its elasticity.
2.  Keratin
Keratin is a structural protein. It is tough and fibrous and helps hold your skin together firmly, and prevent sagging.
3.  Active Manuka Honey
It’s a specific type of honey that contains special enzymes which give it antibacterial and antioxidant properties. This honey is gathered from the manuka bush in New Zealand. When applied topically to the skin, this natural substance helps in the formation of stronger collagen. Collagen is a protein and is known for rejuvenating skin
4.  Cynergy TK
It is a new, cutting edge substance. It stimulates your body to grow its own collagen and elastin. It promotes firmness, elasticity and reduces wrinkles.
5.  Phytessence Wakame
Phytessence is exotic kelp that comes from the Japanese sea. It prevents the break down of hyaluronic acid in our skin and helps maintain the bond between collagen and elastin fibers. And eventually prevents premature aging, sagging skin and wrinkles.
6.  Avocado extract
Avocado tree is originally from Central and South America.Cosmetic companies and herbalists alike have recognized avocado extract for its effects on the skin and hair. When used on the skin it results in softer, suppler skin. It moisturizes and can create an incandescent radiance from the skin.
7.  Grapeseed oil
Grapeseed oil has a fine texture and is almost odorless, light in texture and is easily absorbed by the skin. It has great emollient properties, making it an ideal skincare and cosmetic ingredient, without leaving any tacky or oily residue on the skin.

All of the above ingredients help you
1. Restore the elasticity of skin
2. Rejuvenate and reduce wrinkles
3. Prevent skin premature aging and sagging
4. Provide natural mosturization

These are a few natural ingredients that can give your skin the look and feel that you have always wanted.
I am now sure that with the information above you will be able to select best anti-aging skin creams and have a much younger and vibrant skin.

About the Author:

Ethan Clark is a researcher, consumer and advocate of natural skin care products. Visit his site now to discover cutting edge, anti-aging skin care products he recommends after extensive research: http://skinhealthsolution.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - 7 Ingredients to look for in best anti-aging skin creams

avocado trees

If things are a little lame in the bedroom see what nature's tonic of love can do for you. Put the pills aside and see how food can get you in the mood.

Prior to medical professors introducing the world to love potions in their present day successful endeavour's to produce a antihypertensive drug, nature provided the means to enhance and increase sexual appetite.

In less modern times, cultures would experiment with food in search for new and powerful aphrodisiac's in their quest for the same outcome modern day love potions provide.

In ancient Roman times the common carrot was said to expel the sexual suppressions of female prisoners when carrots were cooked in stock. Tomatoes were claimed as a powerful love potion which resembled a human heart according to Italian doctors.

The start of the new fig harvest in Ancient Greece initiated a tradition of sexual activity among husband and wife with the fig being related to love and reproduction. A blooming fig was compared to that of the female sex organ.

The testicle tree, known in modern times as an avocado, was how the Aztecs referred to an avocado tree based on the dangling pairs of fruit.

There are several theories as to why food can have an affect on our sexual behaviour and libido ranging from its contour and smell or whether the chemicals and vitamins in certain foods are the main determining factor that gets us in the mood. What ever its reason, this approach can be nothing other than a win-win plan of attack - great food and great sex, what more could we ask for!

Most of us would know that zinc is crucial for the output of testosterone in males and bears importance also for females to prevent friction during sex. Right throughout ancient and civilized times, foods that contain zinc such as caviar and oysters have been consumed to improve sexual performance. Oysters have the ability to swap their (male or female) sex to the opposite gender which has raised the theory that oysters can give us sexual stimulation from both a male and female perspective so be sure and add oysters to your shopping list!

Probably the universal all time favourite food, chocolate, comprises of a natural drug known as phenylethylamine which is also produced by our brain and gives us that exhilarating feeling of being in love. Cheese has a much higher content of phenylethylamine and is believed to have up to 10 times the affect of chocolate.

To develop sex hormones, B vitamins are a contributing requirement and is also a vital component to repel depressive disorders, anxiousness or drowsiness. With tiredness possibly being the biggest excuse not to have sex, obtain some advice on including B vitamins as part of your routine.

Online dating consultant and relationships guru, Francis Galloway, reckons capsaicin has the ingredients to spice things up - literally! Capsaicin is the high temperature producing chemical in chili peppers and is said to discharge endorphins and elevate our pulse.

With so much food to get you in the mood, what an ideal way to flirt with your date. Meeting new singles and forming new successful relationships is all part of what makes up our destiny. We love to be with interesting people who offer stimulating conversation, so next time you ask someone on a date tell them what food will get them in the mood, it's a good way to see if you're both on the same wave length without being too direct.

See us for the latest dating tips, where to find singles hotspots and free online dating sites in Australia to improve your social life.

About the Author:

Matt Fuller provides article services for his free online dating sites Australia and singles chat rooms simply register type in your postcode to find your match.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Let the Aphrodisiac of nature get you in the mood

Unrefined avocado oil is considered to be one of the most healthful vegetable oils one can consume. It is a multi-purpose oil that can be used for culinary purposes (it is exceptionally high in Vitamin E  as well as monounsaturated fats), suitable for dressings and sauces as well as frying, due to its high smoke point of over 490 degrees. Organic avocado oil is also an excellent “carrier” oil for other flavors; avocado carrier oil is ideal for infusion with various herbs. In addition to its suitability as a comestible, unrefined avocado oil is also excellent for use as a cosmetic and the repair of damaged skin.

Historical Background

Bulk avocado oil comes from the fruit of the same name. The scientific name of the tree from which we obtain organic avocado oil is Persea Americana. It is native to the Caribbean coast of Mexico, and was apparently known to pre-Incan peoples of present-day Peru. The word avocado itself is derived from a word in the Nahuatl language, ahuacatl, which literally means “testicle.” This is most likely a reference to the shape of the fruit; among the Aztecs, avocados were believed to confer fertility and have aphrodisiac properties.

Europeans could not have known of the benefits of organic avocado oil much before 1500; the first written descriptions of the fruit dates from a Spanish geography text written about 1520, and the first English accounts were not published until over 180 years later.

Although not initially raised to obtain bulk avocado oil, the plant itself was first exported abroad in 1750, when the first avocado trees were planted in Indonesia. It arrived in Brazil about fifty years later; by the 1890s, avocado groves had been established in Rhodesia (present-day Kenya) and Australia. It was introduced in Lebanon and Palestine (present-day Israel) in 1908.

Today the plants that are the source of healthful organic avocado oil are grown primarily in Mexico. California, Australia, New Zealand and Kenya.

What Is an Avocado?

Although it grows on a tree and has a pit, it is actually considered a berry; that is, the source of bulk avocado oil is a fruit produced from a single ovary which ripens into a fleshy, edible pulp surrounded by a skin. Seeds are embedded within this pulp.

Botanically, the avocado is a member of the laurel family, along with the bay tree and cinnamon. There are over a dozen types of avocados grown today; however, the most common varieties are the hass avocado, which is a black-colored fruit with a pebbled skin texture and a bulk avocado oil content of approximately 19%, and the pinkerton, which has a smooth green skin.

Unlike most types of vegetable oils which are derived from seeds, organic avocado oil is extracted from the fleshy pulp of the fruit.

More About Avocado Oil

As mentioned earlier, avocado carrier oil is fine for creating different flavored oils. Although fine for humans and other primates, organic avocado oil contains a fatty acid known as persin, which can be highly toxic to domestic animals, particularly dogs, cats and horses.

Although avocados are a perennial crop in those regions in which they are grown (they can survive temperatures down to 26 degrees Fahrenheit), organic avocado oil can be expensive as relatively little of the crop is actually pressed for oil. It does however compare quite well to olive oil for taste and body; true gourmands consider the extra cost for organic avocado oil well worth it.

About the Author:

Anne Harvester writes about-- organic avocado oil.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Health Benefits of Unrefined Avocado Oil

avocado care

How do you care for avocado trees damaged by the frost?

You don't just avoid frost in the future.

If you suffer from Avocado Allergy then you suffer from allergies Type 1 or contact allergy. The proteins found in avocado trigger the immune system to reaction. Antibodies and histamines are releases into the blood stream in an attempt to neutralize the protein. These chemicals trigger the allergic symptoms. In sever cases Epinephrine, also call Adrenaline, is administered to control the anaphylaxis reaction.

Reactions usually begin within a couple of minutes to several hours after exposure to avocado. Mild symptoms involve skin redness, hives, or itching. In more sever cases the respiratory system is involved. Wheezing, coughing or difficulty in breathing may be noted. If any of the breathing symptoms occur or if the other symptoms are pronounced then prompt emergency treatment is needed.

Sensitivity can develop over time and may not appear when you are expose to the irritant the first several times. A good example of this is the growing number of healthcare workers that are becoming allergic to latex after regular and prolonged exposure to latex examination gloves.

Diagnosis of avocado allergies is usually performed by appropriate laboratory skin prick test. Self-diagnosis of avocado allergies can be done if a person has the same reaction every time after eating avocado.

Another test that can be performed is commonly called The Food Challenge. You are told to avoid all avocados for several weeks. The doctor will then have you eat only avocado under close supervision. If symptoms appear after eating the avocado then you are allergic to avocado and will need to avoid eating avocado in the future.

Since allergies to a single food are uncommon if you are allergic to avocado then the possibility of you developing a cross-reaction to other foods is increased. Because of the similarity between the allergens of latex and avocado if you are allergic to one then there is a good chance you may develop an allergy to the other. Other foods to be on the lookout for are banana, bay leaf, cantaloupe, chestnuts, cinnamon kiwi, and mango.

No mater what type of allergy you are suffering from their is a good chance that you can find relief from the allergy symptoms. Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with Allergies such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and M.S.M.

Vitamin A is a known antioxidant and can assist the human body in the healing process. Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A.

Vitamin C is nature's protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the bodies immune system.

Vitamin E protects the lung tissue from inhaled pollutants and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

M.S.M maintains the development of the body's protein by forming flexible disulfide bonds between certain amino acids and in maintaining the strength of connective tissue. This allows water and nutrients to flow freely into cells and allows toxins to flow freely out of the cells. M.S.M increases athletic stamina and helps eliminate muscle soreness. M.S.M is a natural supplement that is getting a lot of attention due to its role in tissue healing at the cellular level. It is a natural organic sulfur that comes from rain fall and is found naturally in the human body.

If you are Allergic To Avocado then find a good health care professional prior to starting any type of home treatment.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

About the Author:

David Cowley has created numerous articles on allergies. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to allergies and how to treat them. Click on Allergy Treatment

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Help I Am Allergic To Avocado

fruiting avocado trees

How long does it take an new avocado tree started from seed to bear fruit?

I have a tree that started from a seed back in spring of 2000. For about four years I waited to see if it would give fruit and nothing and finally two years ago we grafted the tree with another avocodo tree that actually produces fruit and this year we were blessed with the creamiest avocados around.

People who are adepts at gardening know that fruit trees commonly drop premature fruits and it is nothing more than a natural process of shedding a heavy fruit load.

Apples particularly are known to have several periods when this type of fruit drop occurs. The first fruit drop is right after the flower petals fall off and the life span of the tiny fruit is not more than three weeks. The fruits that drop are understandably the ones that did not get pollinated in time or the sperm cells from the pollen failed to reach the ovary.

With regard to most fruit varieties, lack of pollination occurs due to cold or wet weather or honeybee decline. Again, if the flower buds are exposed to freezing weather, then fruit drop may become inevitable.

A second drop takes place during late May or June when the fruits are about the size of marbles. This second drop is quite often called the "June drop." Apples and pears are notoriously prone to this second drop, as a result of competition between fruits for resources. Premature cherries are less likely to drop as readily as apples and pears and may stay on the tree for a longer period.

What people call a mid-summer fruit drop pertains mostly to plums. In apples, pears and cherries, mid-summer fruit drop is rare, unless there is a pest or disease infestation. Pre-harvest drop, occurs when fruit is infested with wormy pests that may cause premature ripening and fruit fall. It is a thumb rule that the picking season for fruits has commenced as soon as few mature fruits begin to fall off.

Experts say that most trees produce large quantities of flowers much in excess for a full crop and this is the chief reason why they are shedding fruits. Only one flower bloom in twenty is needed for a good crop, fruit drop in June can be nature's way of thinning the crop so the remaining fruit can survive and reach full size.

Most fruit trees have at least two seasons of fruit drop. The first occurs immediately after bloom and this is due to incomplete pollination. The second drop occurs three to four weeks later. The second called June drop is usually bigger and more dramatic because the fruits have developed to a larger size.

It is believed that fruit trees bear fruit when they become mature enough to blossom freely. It is also said that pollination, cultural practices and environment greatly influence the plant's ability to bear. Obviously growers do not have any control over these factors and have to depend on the whims of nature.

Some of the self-pollinating fruit, without outside agencies, are apricot, avocado, blackberry, citrus, fig, most domestic grapes, jujube, nectarine, peach, pomegranate, quince and strawberry. The fruits which rely on cross-pollination include apple, Japanese persimmon, pear, pecan, some varieties of plum and walnut.

Pecans deserve our special attention as a pre-pollination spray of zinc should produce large and healthy leaves. This spray should be applied 3 weeks after bud break. Then there are the pear problems. With spring blooms comes the pear horror named fire blight. It is so called because of the bacteria infection that causes limbs and blooms of trees to look as if scorched by fire. Unfortunately the best tasting pears such as Bartlett and Le Conte are the most susceptible.

So it is evident that fruit trees need constant care and attention. The object lesson is too many fruit are not good either for the tree or the fruit grower.

samehta is a Copywriter of flavored water, natural flavors, fruit drops .She written many articles in various topics such as flavored bottled water, bottled drinking water, flavored drops
. For more information visit: http://capellaflavordrops.com .

About the Author:

Samehta is a Copywriter of http://www.capellaflavordrops.com. She written many articles in various topics such as flavored water,flavored bottled water. For more information visit: http://www.capellaflavordrops.com. contact her at capella.articles@gmail.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Fruit Drops And Their Importance

too much avocado

Could I somehow biologically alter an Avocado tree so that it could survive much colder temperatures?

I live in Canada and the temperatures have gotten down to negative 19 degrees Celsius (which is rare, winters are usually about -10 to -5)

Most plants avoid cold temperatures by going dormant. You would have to identify the genes that impart the ability to go dormant and protect the plant against freezing temperatures. It would be faster, cheaper and easier to build a very large greenhouse to grow the avocado trees or just go to the local produce market and by all the avocados you can eat!

Avocado oil is renowned for its healing, anti-bacterial, and anti-wrinkle properties. Technically a fruit, unrefined Avocado Oil is cold pressed from avocado pear and is deep green slightly brownish in colour, while refined Avocado oil is pale yellow.

The unrefined version of avocado oil with deep penetrating qualities has strong aroma and is rich in vitamin A, D, lecithin, potassium and chlorophyll. This moisturizing oil is beneficial for rash, eczema, mature, parched and aging skin. Refined avocado oil is preferred because it is odorless and is used during intensive facial treatment for mature skin.

Rich in vitamin A, B1, B2, panthothenic acid and essential fatty acids; hence its regenerative properties and restructuring powers keep the skin moisturized, and elastic.

The lecithin and phytosterols make it excellent oil for massage: easily absorbed and silky. The penetrative powers of this oil is much more than other oils, thus it is ideal massage oil for skin and body treatments. It stimulates the collagen metabolism, increasing the proportion of soluble collagen in the dermis, helps in cell regeneration, retards visible signs of aging and remarkably softens the skin. It is also very useful when treating sun or climate damaged skin that is dehydrated and under nourished. Avocado oil is very safe to use in cosmetics because it suitable for all skin types, eliminating concern for allergic reactions. It's also a good stimulant for hair.

The avocado fruit holds similar qualities of avocado oil for skin nourishment. Vitamin E provides moisturizing properties for smooth silky skin. Vitamin E decreases harmful effects of solar radiation, reduces UV induced damage and decreases skin redness after sun exposure. The fruit when rubbed topically on dry and sun damaged skin moisturizes and soothes the affected area. The skin of avocado fruit when rubbed like a loofah exfoliates the dead skin.

For a natural sunscreen, pour some zinc oxide into a bottle half full of avocado oil and shake well. Apply on skin that is exposed to the sun.

Mix 10 drops of lavender essential oil to 1 oz of avocado oil. Massage this oil for a soothing back rub for 15 - 20 minutes.

For Avocado facial mask, mash 1 ripe avocado. For dry skin add 1 tsp of avocado oil. Mix well; apply the mask to face and throat area and chill out. Place a towel dipped in hot water over face firmly to remove the mask. Next splash your face with the toner mixed with a drop of avocado oil.

For dry and wrinkled skin, blend 4 drops of frankincense, 2 drops each of rose and neroli oils and 20 ml of avocado oil. This blend is good for rejuvenation, induces relaxation and sleep if used at bed time.

The reader of this article should exercise all precautions while following instructions on the recipes from this article. Avoid using if you are allergic to something. The responsibility lies with the reader and not the site and the writer.

About the Author:

Kevin Pederson manages
Massage Therapy
related websites. Massage oils have been an integral part of the massage therapy. Find information on Avocado oil that is renowned for its healing, anti-bacterial, and anti-wrinkle properties.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Avocado Oil For Massage

avocado yellow

Not too hot, not too cold are the weather hallmarks for June in Southern California. The moderate weather is just what most plants and trees need for rapid growth.

Planting Window For Tropicals:  June is the time to plant or transplant tropicals such as palms, banana trees, ferns, ginger, hibiscus, orchids and bougainvillea. Don't wait until the hot summer months. Mild weather reduces the stress of planting or transplanting.

 Transplant Trees: Properly transplanting a tree is often the key to its future health. First, dig a hole at least twice a large as the tree's root system. Set the tree in the hole and position it properly. Fill the hole with a mixture of soil conditioner and soil. Press firmly on the soil and water deeply and thoroughly. The soil should be moist at all times for the first three to four weeks following transplanting. Apply a two to three inch layer of mulch around the trunk (but not touching the trunk) to keep in moisture and the soil cool.

Caring for Avocado Trees: Although avocado trees are hearty once established, they are susceptible to overwatering during their early years. Plant your avocado trees in well-draining, loose soil. If the avocado tree is in a pot, make sure the pot contains plenty of drainage holes. Overwatering can produce root rot--the single most common reason young avocado trees fail. Let the soil around the tree become somewhat dry before watering. Expect leaves to drop all year. Keep the leaves around the tree or use mulch to retain soil moisture. The leaves will naturally compost and introduce nutrients into the soil. Flowers bloom in spring, but don't be disappointed when most of the flowers fall. This is normal. If all goes right, expect fruit two to three years after planting.

Plant Pumpkins: Halloween may seem far off, but now is the time to plant pumpkin plants so pumpkins will be ready for harvest and carving in October. If planting from seed, plants will begin to sprout seven to 10 days after planting. The plants need lots of warmth and moisture to thrive. Leave plenty of room for the plants' vines to spread and develop. Yellow flowers will start to appear about three weeks after plant growth begins. The flowers will develop into pumpkins after they are pollinated. Pumpkins will be ready for picking in three to four months.

About the Author:

Bill Camarillo is CEO of Agromin, an Oxnard, California-based manufacturer of premium soil products for the agriculture and horticulture trades and for consumer use. Each month, Agromin receives and processes hundreds of thousands of tons of urban wood and green waste. Agromin then uses a safe, organic and scientific system to formulate its soil products from the processed recycled green materials. www.agromin.com.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Cool June Mornings and Warm Afternoons Make The Ideal Combination for Vigorous Garden Growth

Vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and fiber—the good guys in the food we eat.  They make our bodies strong to help us fight disease and slow the natural aging process.  So how do you know if you are getting enough of these food superheroes?  Think color!

White

Bananas are well-known to be an excellent source of potassium.  They are also high in vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium and manganese.  One large banana contains 15% of the recommended daily allowance of fiber. 

At just over 6 calories one-quarter cup of raw cauliflower provides almost 20% of the daily recommendation of vitamin C and is high in fiber.  Cauliflower is also an important source of folate.  A member of the cruciferous family of vegetables, it is recognized as possessing cancer-fighting properties. 

Adding onions and garlic to your meals can boost calcium intake, and provide chromium, a trace mineral important in maintaining blood sugar levels.  Regular consumption of onions and garlic has been shown to significantly lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure. 

America’s favorite white vegetable, the potato, is an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, Vitamin B6, niacin and thiamin.  (Don’t think that makes it okay to pig-out on fast-food fries, or bury your baked potato under butter and sour cream!  You know better.)
Yellow/Orange

Yellow fruits such as pineapple and papaya contain large amounts of both vitamin C and vitamin A giving a generous boost to your immune system.  One half cup of pineapple delivers almost half the daily recommendation of manganese yet weighs in at only 40 calories.

Think yellow bell peppers for vitamin C.  A one-half cup serving provides 300% the daily recommendation of vitamin C.  That’s a lot of antioxidant power.

Most of us associate beta-carotene, one of the earliest identified anti-oxidants, with carrots.  But you can also find beta-carotene in oranges, apricots, squash and other orange fruits and vegetables.

Not just candied yams at Thanksgiving anymore, sweet potatoes are an amazing package of vitamins and minerals as well as being high in fiber.  One baked sweet potato with provide significant amounts of phosphorus, vitamin E, thiamin, iron, copper, magnesium, pantothenic acid, potassium, vitamin B6, manganese, vitamin C and vitamin A (over 1,000% RDA). 
Green

Avocados have gotten a bad reputation as being high in fat.  But they are also high in fiber, folate, potassium, pantothenic acid, vitamin C and vitamin B6.

Go green, like honeydew melons, green peas, spinach, and collards to supply important carotenoids that reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Also included in the green group of vegetables are broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage, which are, like cauliflower, cruciferous vegetables and contain powerful carcinogen blockers.

Red

Add tomatoes to your diet to provide lycopene, an antioxidant associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease.  Surprisingly, cooked tomato products are richer in lycopene than uncooked tomatoes.

You can also get the benefits of lycopene from watermelon and pink grapefruit, plus vitamins A and C.

Don’t peel your apples!  The skin of a Red Delicious is packed with two very powerful phytochemicals called epicatechin and procyanidin.  Apples are also rich in pectin, a fiber that has a high capacity to absorb water and improve regularity.

Purple/Blue

Eat purple grapes or drink Concord grape juice to provide quercetin in your diet.  Quercetin has been identified as an important phytochemical in the prevention of blood clots.

Blueberries, plums, purple cabbage, eggplant and purple onion provide another phytochemical group prevalent in purple food, anthocyanins.  These anti-oxidant phytochemicals have been linked with preserved memory and brain function during the aging process.

Add color to your plate.  Your eyes will enjoy the sight and your body will be receiving important nutrients vital for optimum health.

About the Author:

Jean Fisher is a former elementary school teacher. Her website What’s For Dinner? provides a dinner suggestion for each day of the week, a customizable grocery shopping list, table topics and quality time activities.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Are You Getting Enough Color in Your Diet?

california avocado tree

Can you grow a peach tree from the pit by soaking half of it in water like a avocado pit?

It is a California peach.

Yes, it can be grown that way.

Here is a website with advice on how to get a peach tree started: http://www.michiganpeach.org/facts/pit.html

Nestled in the sloping coastal hills of San Diego County, Vista real estate has become a prime setting for the new home buyer. With an excellent location, historic charm, and an abundance of landmarks and recreational activities, the Vista real estate area is one of the most celebrated sites in San Diego. Add a booming economy, topnotch school system, and diverse culture, and it is evident why the Vista vicinity was once named as the ideal place to raise a family.

Ideal Climate and Location of Vista Real Estate

The Vista California area is positioned seven miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, on the northern edges of San Diego County. A large majority of Vista real estate is located 45 miles north of downtown San Diego. Vista real estate is perfect for those who enjoy certain perks of the city, but prefer to live away from the big city rush.

Many select Vista real estate due to the high level of education offered in the city. Vista teachers possess a superb reputation, and are among the highest paid educators in the United States. The Vista area is home to the largest public library in San Diego, and is renowned for being a regional reference location for the entire country.

Historic Charm of Vista Real Estate

Vista real estate emits a vibe of both old and new. There are still remnants of Vista’s rich history evident in its real estate and community. The citrus and avocado trees still have a prominent place in the city, however, homes and condos are now replacing the sprawling open agricultural fields.

The Vista real estate constructed in recent years consists of large, modern homes, equipped with ample driveways. The Vista real estate of today is created for convenience. However, there still remain homes dedicated to the Vista real estate owner of the past, the farmer. These quaint older homes present a subtle charm, and hold a certain historic ambience. These engaging homes remain a great investment.

The average price of Vista real estate in 2006 was approximately $500,000. However, these beautiful homes and town houses can range from $200,000 to more than $3 million. As the demand for Vista real estate grows, so will the prices.

Recreational Activities Offered Near Vista Real Estate

Vista real estate is accompanied by numerous notable attractions and recreational activities. With an exquisite surrounding of gently rolling hills, mild climate, and appealing rural setting, Vista enjoys a plethora of year-round outdoor activities. Several noteworthy museums are situated throughout the city, such as the Vista Historical Museum and the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum. Vista is also home to several recreation and entertainment venues. The Moonlight Amphitheatre provides a myriad of performances throughout the summer, while The Wave water park offers fun and sun for the entire family.

The Vista California area offers coastal beauty with a touch of historic character. As this unique community continues to grow, so will its popularity, and real estate options.

About the Author:

John Harris is a researcher and writer on real estate topics such as economics, credit improvement tips, home selling advice and home buying preparations. For more information please visit Vista Real Estate

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Vista Real Estate: History Revisited

avocado sprouts

When do I trim my baby Avocado tree?

I have sprouted an Avocado tree from seed in water. It is about 17 inches tall with six leaves on top and lots of buds on the stem.
I want to transplant it into soil and I need to know if I should prune it before or after I do that? Also wondering how much I should take off?

That depends on the shape you want. If you want it to grow into a tree, do nothing. Its natural tendency is to grow a single straight stem (trunk). If, on the other hand, you want it full and shrubby, cut it back at the point where you want it to branch. Wherever you cut a leader, you will get branching. You might want to cut it back to 12" or even less, to force branching. Your call.

If you do cut it back, continue that process every 6"-12" or so to keep it short and full.

Not too hot, not too cold are the weather hallmarks for June in Southern California. The moderate weather is just what most plants and trees need for rapid growth.

Planting Window For Tropicals:  June is the time to plant or transplant tropicals such as palms, banana trees, ferns, ginger, hibiscus, orchids and bougainvillea. Don't wait until the hot summer months. Mild weather reduces the stress of planting or transplanting.

 Transplant Trees: Properly transplanting a tree is often the key to its future health. First, dig a hole at least twice a large as the tree's root system. Set the tree in the hole and position it properly. Fill the hole with a mixture of soil conditioner and soil. Press firmly on the soil and water deeply and thoroughly. The soil should be moist at all times for the first three to four weeks following transplanting. Apply a two to three inch layer of mulch around the trunk (but not touching the trunk) to keep in moisture and the soil cool.

Caring for Avocado Trees: Although avocado trees are hearty once established, they are susceptible to overwatering during their early years. Plant your avocado trees in well-draining, loose soil. If the avocado tree is in a pot, make sure the pot contains plenty of drainage holes. Overwatering can produce root rot--the single most common reason young avocado trees fail. Let the soil around the tree become somewhat dry before watering. Expect leaves to drop all year. Keep the leaves around the tree or use mulch to retain soil moisture. The leaves will naturally compost and introduce nutrients into the soil. Flowers bloom in spring, but don't be disappointed when most of the flowers fall. This is normal. If all goes right, expect fruit two to three years after planting.

Plant Pumpkins: Halloween may seem far off, but now is the time to plant pumpkin plants so pumpkins will be ready for harvest and carving in October. If planting from seed, plants will begin to sprout seven to 10 days after planting. The plants need lots of warmth and moisture to thrive. Leave plenty of room for the plants' vines to spread and develop. Yellow flowers will start to appear about three weeks after plant growth begins. The flowers will develop into pumpkins after they are pollinated. Pumpkins will be ready for picking in three to four months.

About the Author:

Bill Camarillo is CEO of Agromin, an Oxnard, California-based manufacturer of premium soil products for the agriculture and horticulture trades and for consumer use. Each month, Agromin receives and processes hundreds of thousands of tons of urban wood and green waste. Agromin then uses a safe, organic and scientific system to formulate its soil products from the processed recycled green materials. www.agromin.com.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Cool June Mornings and Warm Afternoons Make The Ideal Combination for Vigorous Garden Growth

keep avocado green

Is it safe to trim an Avocado, Tree, I live in the south, Texas is my State, and it is still Hot in this area.

I have a lot of Avocado trees in all sizes, I guess i have a green thumb, so I started to plant them, and they keep Growing, but now, I do not know if it is safe to trim their Branches. Any advice out there to someone who knows about this vegetable Plant, Is greatly appreciated.

generally you only trim the lower branches of an avocado tree. They're a very soft wood and as they age the lower limbs tend to droop. When they get close to the ground, so the leaves, wood or fruit will touch, cut the limb off completely. You can seal the cut with tar made for trees.

One good web site, easy to read, is better homes and garden (WWW.BHG.COM). Lots of information on avocado trees including fertilizers.

Green is currently a very popular color. Environmentalists are talking about a greener world; corporate companies are going green to save the earth’s resources. Scientists are talking about fueling the future with green gasoline, derived from plant sources. Health and nutrition experts have been talking green for a long time. A diet that is rich in green vegetables can help protect and support good health!

Vegetables like spinach, broccoli, avocado, green peppers, romaine lettuce, are good for your health. The greener the color, the more health value it has. Green vegetables have:

• the least amount of calories
• the lowest fat value
• the highest protein content per calorie
• high in dietary fiber

Most Americans like to dodge eating green vegetables. Surveys indicate that the average American eats less than 2 cups of green vegetables a week! The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that we eat at least one cup of raw green leafy vegetables a day.

Green Superfoods are great for health for diverse reasons:

Good for your diet. Green beans, cabbage, leafy green vegetables are low in calories. They are packed in nutritive value, and make your stomach feel full without filling your body with calories.

They add protein to your diet. Vegetable protein is said to be far superior to meat protein! Plant protein is much easier to digest and there is no cholesterol! Broccoli has the highest protein content – about 3 grams of protein a just half a cup. Spirulina and chlorella contains 65-70% which is higher than soy, wheat or any meat source.

They add fiber to your diet. The average American diet is lacking in fiber. Green vegetables like broccoli, spinach, swiss chard, mustard greens, green peas, kale and other dark green leafy vegetables add fiber to your diet. Fiber binds toxins to themselves, helping your body clear them through your digestive system without allowing them to enter your body. Fiber adds bulk for peristalsis and helps to prevent constipation. Fiber also helps to keep a healthy intestinal microflora—an environment where good bacteria proliferates and bad bacteria (pathogens) find it difficult to survive. Fiber is also useful in weight management.

They add essential phytochemicals to your diet. Phytochemicals are powerful antioxidants found in plant substances. Vegetables like spinach, zucchini, brussels sprouts, garden peas, Swiss chard, kale, collard greens, mustard greens and turnip greens contain high amounts of the phytochemicals beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Research shows that these powerful antioxidants can help your body protect itself from night blindness, macular degeneration.1

Antioxidants also play a role in neutralizing free radical activity. Free radical activity destabilizes the molecular activity in the body, leading to cell degeneration or cell mutation. This breakdown of cell structure at the basic level of health can eventually lead to tissue and organ damage, even cancer and other diseases. Antioxidants can nutritionally help to slow this process.

They contain high amounts of essential minerals. Green vegetables contain calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium.

Calcium is needed for bone building and also helps your muscles and nerves to function well. It helps in the clotting of blood. Vegetables rich in calcium are the outer leaves of cabbage, broccoli leaves, turnip greens, mustard greens, collards, and kale.

Iron is important for cellular reproduction. Every second about 50 million old cells in the body are replaced by new ones! And iron is needed in the reproduction of every new cell! Iron is also needed by the body for metabolism. Avocado, asparagus, and broccoli are rich in iron content.

Potassium and magnesium are connected to the regulating of normal blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Green Vegetables contains essential vitamins you normally do not find in other vegetables. Folate (Vitamin B9) and Vitamin K are found in good amounts in green vegetables. Folate is necessary for DNA duplication and repair and also promotes heart health. Vitamin K is necessary for the clotting of blood.

Buffers the stomach. Green vegetables buffer the stomach. A normal American diet contains too much sugar, starch and fats which causes too much acidity. Proper digestion of nutrients cannot take place in a digestive environment which is too acidic. Green vegetables can help bring the pH level to normal.

Green Vegetables Provide Enzymes: Raw green vegetables contain enzymes that help to digest food. They support a healthy digestive system.

There are plenty of good reasons to eat green vegetables! Add them to your diet every day. If you’re one of those who run away from vegetables, try a green food supplement like Royal Greens Ultra. Your body needs to have the health benefits that come from green foods. Supplements consist of natural foods which include chlorella and spirulina, probiotics and other fruits and vegetables to support and protect immune health, heart health and digestive health.

References:

1. Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group, SanGiovanni JP, Chew EY, et al. The relationship of dietary carotenoid and vitamin A, E, and C intake with age-related macular degeneration in a case-control study: AREDS Report No. 22. (2007) Arch Ophthalmol 125:1225-1232. PMID 17846363

About the Author:

New Vitality is a health supplements company. It develops supplement products which are carefully formulated under the guidance of an elite panel comprised of renowned doctors, nutritionists, chemists and researchers. Whether you want a nutritional supplement, pet health supplement, a personal care product or a health care product, New Vitality is a one-stop shop for all needs.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Go Green on Superfoods!

take care avocado tree

I need information on how to take care of my avocado trees and to when they start to grow the fruit?

I used to have an avacado farm in Fallbrook, ca.
If you took good care of your plant Just kinda watering it
like a tree that you want to grow for the first 2 or three years.
The next thing to make sure you get plenty of avacadoes a little before easter ( now would be a pretty good time )
give your avacado trees the kind of fertalizer that your supposed to give roses to make them bloom.
The more flowers the more fruit.
You may hear storys of some trees just don't give fruit listen to who your source is I gaurntee the person telling you that never had an avacado farm.
For best growing make sure you give a little extra water on very windy days, trees move allot of water on thows days.
Try not to drownd your plant.
Avacado trees are pretty easy to get if your neer an avacado farm I bet you wouldt have to offer much money for like 1 or two year old trees that end up growing under the canapee of the establesed trees.
If your avacadoes grow kinda scabbed with brown leathery spots you have thrips you need to buy lace wing bugs.
Lace wings also eat afids they are need thay look like tiney tinker bell bugs.
Any ways have fun.

Winter is just around the corner and the cold weather can play havoc on the skin. Every season we should evaluate our skin care routine. For instance, during the winter months the sebaceous (oil) glands produce less oil; thus for those with oily skin during the summer months they may find some relief from excess oil during the winter. However for those of us with combination skin or dry skin, the winter months dry out the skin even more.

Below are suggestions to help you combat dry skin in the winter time:

Hydrate the Face - both inside and outside. Winter is the perfect time for warm herbal teas loaded with antioxidants. Additionally, you should have a daytime moisturizer that still includes SPF and an emollient rich night time cream. Consider a lotion during the day and a cream at night time. Consider creams that contain shea butter, avocado oil, and olive oil for example. Avoid moisturizers that contain alcohol and synthetic preservatives, fragrances, and coloring, as these have a tendency to strip the skin of its natural oils and have a drying effect on the skin.

Cleansing - we all know that we should stay clear of harsh soaps on our face. We also know that we should avoid extremely hot showers, although they are so tempting when it's zero degrees! Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils thus drying out the skin.

Cleansing for the body,  consider a body wash that is gentle and can enrich the skin such as aloe Vera. After your shower pat down with a lotion rich in moisture such as shea butter. If possible consider using fragrance- and dye-free laundry detergents and avoid fabric softeners. These chemicals embedded into our clothes can irritate dry skin.

Facial Cleansing - this is probably the most important part of your skin care routine. A good cleanser will thoroughly clean the skin and not strip away natural oils.

Facial Toning - this is a matter of preference. I have read and written several articles about the importance of toners, however there are some that say it is not needed. Personally, I love my homemade green tea and chamomile toner.   

Body Exfoliate - A good exfoliate once a week will perk up skin and color by promoting circulation under the skin.  

Facial Exfoliate - usually once a week. For an easy exfoliate, add a little cornmeal to your facial cleansing. You will notice a difference in the feel and look of your complexion.

Facial Masks - A facial mask can do so much to hydrate deep down into the lower layers of the skin. There are numerous types on the market.  Oatmeal, clay, avocado masks are so beneficial to the skin.

Lips - thin skinned and no oil producing glands in the lips. They take a beating during the winter. If you suffer from chapped lips all winter long consider a waxy lip balm to lock in moisture and protect before you got outdoors. Consider a lip balm that contain avocado, olive, or soybean, they soften and soothe, while vitamin A-rich shea butter promotes healing.

Hands and Feet - just like the face, if you do not wear gloves, the hands are exposed to the winter elements. They need moisture and protection to. Consider a day lotion with SPF and at night give them a treatment with some shea butter for example. The feet which never see the light of day during the winter months are still vulnerable to cracks and dry skin and prone to developing fungus. Consider a balm with peppermint or tea tree oil at night to fight fungus, and cover your feet with cotton socks. Additionally a weekly soak in Epsom salts does wonders to relieve foot ache, fungus and cleanse.

For wonderful homemade skin care recipes, including body scrubs, toners, exfoliates, facial peels and masks visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

About the Author:

Carol Belanger, author of 300+ Skin Care Recipes

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Winter Skin Care 101

the big avocado

Will my avocado tree ever bear fruit if I grew it from a pit of an avocado from the market?

After a slow start now the tree is 8 feet tall and growing well. It is about 2 years old. No blossoms have ever grown on this tree.
Can avocado trees up the street help pollinate my tree. Do I need to plant another avocado tree next to it for pollination? My backyard is not that big.

There is a chance that you can get flowers and fruit. Problem is, you may be surprised by the fruit that you get. Hybrids do not tend to reproduce offspring that has the same genetic makeup as the parent. They have a habit of reverting. A simple example would be; you planted a seed from a small seeded, bacon flavored avocado. The plant you grew would most likely produce avocados without the bacon flavor or with a large seed, just like one of the grandparents.

Also, many of the avocado trees are grafted to superior root stock. Some Avocados that produce great fruit do not have great roots (& visa versa), so they are grafted to rootstock that produces a great tree, by supplying more water & nutrients for the branches and fruit.

Most experts will discourage you from planting an avocado seed. I've heard many disheartening stories from people that have tried. I've also heard a few sucess stories. At worst, everyone agreed that they had a nice green tree. At best, they had a mess left on the ground from a tree that produced more avocados than they could keep up with.

Traditionally, a low-fat, high carbohydrate diet is recommended for the obese and type II diabetics. This low-fat approach is based on simple math. Fat has about twice as many calories per gram as carbohydrates and protein. Regardless of the lower calorie content, applying the theory has proven disastrous. It has secured America a seat in the worldwide Fat Ass Hall of Fame while giving birth to a diabetes epidemic. No surprise, math isn’t the best measure of a foods effect on the body. Biochemistry is - go figure.

In contrast to carbohydrates, eating fat (not trans fat, but naturally occurring fat) has proven to be the most important method for ensuring fat loss and warding off diabetes. This is courtesy of fats inability to spike the fat storing hormone insulin - and prevent us from feeding our pie hole excess calories. Thus, despite eating fat in the form of grass fed beef, seeds, nuts, avocados, coconut oil or fish, you won’t suffer from unsightly belly fat. This phenomenon has been proven many times.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition recently showed that eating twice as much fat led to greater weight loss. Researchers compared two eating plans that were similar in caloric intake but vastly different in fat consumption. Obese individuals who consumed 61% fat energy for eight weeks lost 18 pounds; those consuming a mere 30% fat lost 14 pounds (they replaced the fat intake with 46% carbs). (1) Far more staggering than the differences in weight loss are the differences in biochemistry among the two groups.

Low fat, high carbohydrate eaters have the perfect biological environment for obesity and type II diabetes. Their blood levels of glucose, insulin and triglycerides skyrocket.(2) The Nurses' Study by Harvard found that women who adhere to the Big Fat Scam and eat mostly carbohydrates increase their risk of diabetes 2.5 times! Men are not immune to the deadly carbohydrate effect.

Diabetics usually die early from heart disease, twice as often as those without diabetes. It is so damaging that it can erase 11-20 years from a persons lifespan. Currently, an estimated one in four American’s suffer from it. One in three born in the year 2000 will succumb to the Big Fat Scam and therefore suffer from diabetes according to The Journal of the American Medical Association. (3)

The best way to avoid being an honorary member of the Fat Ass Hall of Fame and the diabetes epidemic is to avoid the Big Fat Scam. Start eating more fat (avoid trans fats, of course, and give preference to fats with omega-3’s). Judge your food based on its effect on insulin (via glycemic load), count calories second. Stop futzing around with fad diets and self-proclaimed weight loss gurus who push wanton pill and supplement use as well as whole grains, fruit juice, sugary yogurt, candy bars disguised as health bars and most anything else served out of a box, package or window.

References:

1. Barclay, Laurie. Low-Carb/High-Fat or High-Carb/Low-Fat Diet Improves Weight Loss, Mood. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2007;86:580-587

2. YD Chen, AM Coulston, MY Zhou, CB Hollenbeck and GM Reaven.Why do low-fat high-carbohydrate diets accentuate postprandial lipemia in patients with NIDDM? Diabetes Care, Vol 18, Issue 1 10-16.

Liu S, Willett WC, Stampfer MJ, Hu FB, Franz M, Sampson L, Hennekens CH, Manson JE. A prospective study of dietary glycemic load, carbohydrate intake, and risk of coronary heart disease in US women. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2000 Jun;71(6):1455-61.

Gardner CD, Kiazand A, Alhassan S, Kim S, Stafford RS, Balise RR, Kraemer HC, King AC. Comparison of the Atkins, Zone, Ornish, and LEARN diets for change in weight and related risk factors among overweight premenopausal women: the A TO Z Weight Loss Study: a randomized trial. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2007; 9 (297): 969-77

Frederick F. Samaha, M.D., Nayyar Iqbal, M.D., Prakash Seshadri, M.D., Kathryn L. Chicano, C.R.N.P., Denise A. Daily, R.D., Joyce McGrory, C.R.N.P., Terrence Williams, B.S., Monica Williams, B.S., Edward J. Gracely, Ph.D., and Linda Stern, M.D. A Low-Carbohydrate as Compared with a Low-Fat Diet in Severe Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. Volume 348:2074-2081. May 22, 2003. Number 21

3. K. M. Venkat Narayan, MD; James P. Boyle, PhD; Theodore J. Thompson, MS; Stephen W. Sorensen, PhD; David F. Williamson, PhD. Lifetime Risk for Diabetes Mellitus in the United States. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2003;290:1884-1890.

About the Author:

Shane Ellison holds a master's degree in organic chemistry and has first-hand experience in drug design. He is an internationally recognized authority on therapeutic nutrition and author of Health Myths Exposed, The Hidden Truth about Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs and The AM-PM Fat Loss Discovery. Read his free report entitled The Foundational Health Education to beat obesity, heart disease and death by prescription drug:
www.thepeopleschemist.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Big Fat Scam for the Obese and Diabetic

indoor avocado tree

Where can i buy indoor Fruit trees in CANADA??

looking for indoor Lemon or avocado trees... somewhere in ontario or quebec would be ideal!
looking for indoor Lemon or avocado or even kumquat trees... somewhere in ontario or quebec would be ideal!

rc
Any nursery in that area that has them. Just pop in and ask them. Give them a call.
As for the avocado, just get a dozen avocados and put the seeds (point down) into appropriate sized containers of water. Grow your own tree.

Although we think of cats as carnivores, in fact many are fond of vegetables and other plant material. Although food preferences vary with individual cats, many will sample a plot of grass outdoors, the leaves of a potted houseplant indoors, or other common items like shoelaces.

Cats confuse their owners by ending grass-grazing with regurgitation or vomiting. The reason for this predictable behavior is unclear, but it has been suggested that our pets eat grass, at least sometimes, in order to stimulate vomiting. Relief from hairball indigestion may be one motive for plant eating in cats. However, not all plant-eating leads to getting "sick", so it is a good idea to consult with your vet if the pattern continues.

Because of this tendency to seek and ingest vegetation, cats may naturally experiment with the taste of houseplants. Such behavior can be undesirable, at best, or dangerous when leaves or other plant parts are toxic.

To keep your cat safe, be sure all plants in your home are safe in case of ingestion, or place them out of reach. Hanging pots, for example, usually lose their appeal even to curious cats. Non-toxic, valued plants can be protected with a small amount of sprayed vinegar or black pepper solution on leaves.

As a gift to those cats that seem determined to eat plants, owners can offer treats of herbicide- and pesticide-free potted grass. Grass seeds or even parakeet seeds can be sprouted in seedling pots and offered occasionally, the empty pot then re-seeded for a new batch. In small amounts, grass can be a welcome treat for any house cat.

Listed here are plants poisonous to cats that must be avoided if there are cats in your home. While in some cases just parts of a plant bark, leaves, seeds, berries, roots, tubers, spouts, green shells might be poisonous, this list rules out the whole plant. If you must have any of them, keep them safely out of reach. Should your feline friend eat part of a poisonous plant, rush the cat to your veterinarian as soon as possible. If you can, take the plant with you for ease of identification.

Plants Poisonous To Cats

- Alfalfa
- Almond (Pits of)
- Alocasia
- Amaryllis
- Apple (seeds)
- Apricot (Pits of)
- Arrowgrass
- Avocado
- Azalea
- Baneberry
- Bayonet
- Beargrass
- Beech
- Belladonna
- Bird of Paradise
- Bittersweet
- Black-eyed Susan
- Black Locust
- Bleeding Heart
- Bloodroot
- Bluebonnet
- Box
- Boxwood
- Buckeyes
- Burning Bush
- Buttercup
- Cactus
- Candelabra
- Caladium
- Castor Bean
- Cherry (pits)
- Cherry, wild varieties
- Cherry, ground
- Cherry, Laurel
- Chinaberry
- Christmas Rose
- Chrysanthemum
- Clematis
- Coriaria
- Cornflower
- Corn Plant
- Cornstalk Plant
- Croton
- Corydalis
- Crocus, Autumn
- Crown of Thorns
- Cuban Laurel
- Cutleaf Philodendron
- Cycads
- Cyclamen
- Daffodil Daphne
- Datura
- Deadly Nightshade
- Death Camas
- Delphinium
- Decentrea
- Dieffenbachia
- Dumb Cane
- Easter Lily
- Eggplant
- Elderberry
- Elephant Ear
- English Ivy
- Euonymus
- Evergreen
- Ferns
- Flax
- Four O'Clock
- Foxglove
- Golden Chain
- Golden Glow
- Gopher Purge
- Hellebore
- Hemlock, Poison
- Hemlock, Water
- Henbane
- Holly
- Honeysuckle
- Horsebeans
- Horsebrush
- Horse Chestnuts
- Hyacinth
- Hydrangea
- Indian Tobacco
- Iris
- Iris Ivy
- Jack in the Pulpit
- Java Beans
- Jessamine
- Jerusalem Cherry
- Jimson Weed
- Jonquil
- Jungle Trumpets
- Lantana
- Larkspur
- Laurel
- Lily
- Lily Spider
- Lily of the Valley
- Locoweed
- Lupine
- Marigold
- Marijuana
- Mescal Bean
- Mistletoe
- Mock Orange
- Monkshood
- Moonseed
- Morning Glory
- Mountain Laurel
- Mushrooms
- Narcissus
- Nightshade
- Oleander
- Peach (pits of)
- Pencil Cactus
- Peony
- Periwinkle
- Philodendron
- Pimpernel
- Poinciana
- Poinsettia
- Poison Hemlock
- Poison Ivy
- Poison Oak
- Pokeweed
- Poppy
- Potato Plant
- Precatory Bean
- Primrose
- Privet, Common
- Rhododendron
- Rhubarb
- Ribbon Plant
- Rosemary Pea
- Rubber Plant
- Scotch Broom
- Skunk Cabbage
- Snowdrops
- Snow on the Mountain
- Staggerweed
- Star of Bethlehem
- Sweetpea
- Tansy Mustard
- Tobacco
- Tomato Plant
- Tulip
- Tung Tree
- Virginia Creeper
- Water Hemlock
- Weeping Fig
- Wild Call
- Wisteria
- Yews --
- e.g. Japanese Yew
- English Yew
- Western Yew
- American Yew

About the Author:

Tristan Andrews writes useful articles about cats and kittens. Discover and explore the feline world. Find out how to better care for, train and live with your cat at the cat forums at http://www.i-love-cats.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Dangerous House Plants

are avocado pits edible

Unrefined avocado oil is considered to be one of the most healthful vegetable oils one can consume. It is a multi-purpose oil that can be used for culinary purposes (it is exceptionally high in Vitamin E  as well as monounsaturated fats), suitable for dressings and sauces as well as frying, due to its high smoke point of over 490 degrees. Organic avocado oil is also an excellent “carrier” oil for other flavors; avocado carrier oil is ideal for infusion with various herbs. In addition to its suitability as a comestible, unrefined avocado oil is also excellent for use as a cosmetic and the repair of damaged skin.

Historical Background

Bulk avocado oil comes from the fruit of the same name. The scientific name of the tree from which we obtain organic avocado oil is Persea Americana. It is native to the Caribbean coast of Mexico, and was apparently known to pre-Incan peoples of present-day Peru. The word avocado itself is derived from a word in the Nahuatl language, ahuacatl, which literally means “testicle.” This is most likely a reference to the shape of the fruit; among the Aztecs, avocados were believed to confer fertility and have aphrodisiac properties.

Europeans could not have known of the benefits of organic avocado oil much before 1500; the first written descriptions of the fruit dates from a Spanish geography text written about 1520, and the first English accounts were not published until over 180 years later.

Although not initially raised to obtain bulk avocado oil, the plant itself was first exported abroad in 1750, when the first avocado trees were planted in Indonesia. It arrived in Brazil about fifty years later; by the 1890s, avocado groves had been established in Rhodesia (present-day Kenya) and Australia. It was introduced in Lebanon and Palestine (present-day Israel) in 1908.

Today the plants that are the source of healthful organic avocado oil are grown primarily in Mexico. California, Australia, New Zealand and Kenya.

What Is an Avocado?

Although it grows on a tree and has a pit, it is actually considered a berry; that is, the source of bulk avocado oil is a fruit produced from a single ovary which ripens into a fleshy, edible pulp surrounded by a skin. Seeds are embedded within this pulp.

Botanically, the avocado is a member of the laurel family, along with the bay tree and cinnamon. There are over a dozen types of avocados grown today; however, the most common varieties are the hass avocado, which is a black-colored fruit with a pebbled skin texture and a bulk avocado oil content of approximately 19%, and the pinkerton, which has a smooth green skin.

Unlike most types of vegetable oils which are derived from seeds, organic avocado oil is extracted from the fleshy pulp of the fruit.

More About Avocado Oil

As mentioned earlier, avocado carrier oil is fine for creating different flavored oils. Although fine for humans and other primates, organic avocado oil contains a fatty acid known as persin, which can be highly toxic to domestic animals, particularly dogs, cats and horses.

Although avocados are a perennial crop in those regions in which they are grown (they can survive temperatures down to 26 degrees Fahrenheit), organic avocado oil can be expensive as relatively little of the crop is actually pressed for oil. It does however compare quite well to olive oil for taste and body; true gourmands consider the extra cost for organic avocado oil well worth it.

About the Author:

Anne Harvester writes about-- organic avocado oil.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Health Benefits of Unrefined Avocado Oil

Unrefined avocado oil is considered to be one of the most healthful vegetable oils one can consume. It is a multi-purpose oil that can be used for culinary purposes (it is exceptionally high in Vitamin E  as well as monounsaturated fats), suitable for dressings and sauces as well as frying, due to its high smoke point of over 490 degrees. Organic avocado oil is also an excellent “carrier” oil for other flavors; avocado carrier oil is ideal for infusion with various herbs. In addition to its suitability as a comestible, unrefined avocado oil is also excellent for use as a cosmetic and the repair of damaged skin.

Historical Background

Bulk avocado oil comes from the fruit of the same name. The scientific name of the tree from which we obtain organic avocado oil is Persea Americana. It is native to the Caribbean coast of Mexico, and was apparently known to pre-Incan peoples of present-day Peru. The word avocado itself is derived from a word in the Nahuatl language, ahuacatl, which literally means “testicle.” This is most likely a reference to the shape of the fruit; among the Aztecs, avocados were believed to confer fertility and have aphrodisiac properties.

Europeans could not have known of the benefits of organic avocado oil much before 1500; the first written descriptions of the fruit dates from a Spanish geography text written about 1520, and the first English accounts were not published until over 180 years later.

Although not initially raised to obtain bulk avocado oil, the plant itself was first exported abroad in 1750, when the first avocado trees were planted in Indonesia. It arrived in Brazil about fifty years later; by the 1890s, avocado groves had been established in Rhodesia (present-day Kenya) and Australia. It was introduced in Lebanon and Palestine (present-day Israel) in 1908.

Today the plants that are the source of healthful organic avocado oil are grown primarily in Mexico. California, Australia, New Zealand and Kenya.

What Is an Avocado?

Although it grows on a tree and has a pit, it is actually considered a berry; that is, the source of bulk avocado oil is a fruit produced from a single ovary which ripens into a fleshy, edible pulp surrounded by a skin. Seeds are embedded within this pulp.

Botanically, the avocado is a member of the laurel family, along with the bay tree and cinnamon. There are over a dozen types of avocados grown today; however, the most common varieties are the hass avocado, which is a black-colored fruit with a pebbled skin texture and a bulk avocado oil content of approximately 19%, and the pinkerton, which has a smooth green skin.

Unlike most types of vegetable oils which are derived from seeds, organic avocado oil is extracted from the fleshy pulp of the fruit.

More About Avocado Oil

As mentioned earlier, avocado carrier oil is fine for creating different flavored oils. Although fine for humans and other primates, organic avocado oil contains a fatty acid known as persin, which can be highly toxic to domestic animals, particularly dogs, cats and horses.

Although avocados are a perennial crop in those regions in which they are grown (they can survive temperatures down to 26 degrees Fahrenheit), organic avocado oil can be expensive as relatively little of the crop is actually pressed for oil. It does however compare quite well to olive oil for taste and body; true gourmands consider the extra cost for organic avocado oil well worth it.

About the Author:

Anne Harvester writes about-- organic avocado oil.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Health Benefits of Unrefined Avocado Oil

how to use avocados

I love eating plain avocados, but I could use a few recipes please?

smoothies,dips, whatever.

Here are 557 for you....
http://web.foodnetwork.com/food/web/searchResults?searchString=avocados&site=FOOD&searchType=Recipe

Unrefined avocado oil is considered to be one of the most healthful vegetable oils one can consume. It is a multi-purpose oil that can be used for culinary purposes (it is exceptionally high in Vitamin E  as well as monounsaturated fats), suitable for dressings and sauces as well as frying, due to its high smoke point of over 490 degrees. Organic avocado oil is also an excellent “carrier” oil for other flavors; avocado carrier oil is ideal for infusion with various herbs. In addition to its suitability as a comestible, unrefined avocado oil is also excellent for use as a cosmetic and the repair of damaged skin.

Historical Background

Bulk avocado oil comes from the fruit of the same name. The scientific name of the tree from which we obtain organic avocado oil is Persea Americana. It is native to the Caribbean coast of Mexico, and was apparently known to pre-Incan peoples of present-day Peru. The word avocado itself is derived from a word in the Nahuatl language, ahuacatl, which literally means “testicle.” This is most likely a reference to the shape of the fruit; among the Aztecs, avocados were believed to confer fertility and have aphrodisiac properties.

Europeans could not have known of the benefits of organic avocado oil much before 1500; the first written descriptions of the fruit dates from a Spanish geography text written about 1520, and the first English accounts were not published until over 180 years later.

Although not initially raised to obtain bulk avocado oil, the plant itself was first exported abroad in 1750, when the first avocado trees were planted in Indonesia. It arrived in Brazil about fifty years later; by the 1890s, avocado groves had been established in Rhodesia (present-day Kenya) and Australia. It was introduced in Lebanon and Palestine (present-day Israel) in 1908.

Today the plants that are the source of healthful organic avocado oil are grown primarily in Mexico. California, Australia, New Zealand and Kenya.

What Is an Avocado?

Although it grows on a tree and has a pit, it is actually considered a berry; that is, the source of bulk avocado oil is a fruit produced from a single ovary which ripens into a fleshy, edible pulp surrounded by a skin. Seeds are embedded within this pulp.

Botanically, the avocado is a member of the laurel family, along with the bay tree and cinnamon. There are over a dozen types of avocados grown today; however, the most common varieties are the hass avocado, which is a black-colored fruit with a pebbled skin texture and a bulk avocado oil content of approximately 19%, and the pinkerton, which has a smooth green skin.

Unlike most types of vegetable oils which are derived from seeds, organic avocado oil is extracted from the fleshy pulp of the fruit.

More About Avocado Oil

As mentioned earlier, avocado carrier oil is fine for creating different flavored oils. Although fine for humans and other primates, organic avocado oil contains a fatty acid known as persin, which can be highly toxic to domestic animals, particularly dogs, cats and horses.

Although avocados are a perennial crop in those regions in which they are grown (they can survive temperatures down to 26 degrees Fahrenheit), organic avocado oil can be expensive as relatively little of the crop is actually pressed for oil. It does however compare quite well to olive oil for taste and body; true gourmands consider the extra cost for organic avocado oil well worth it.

About the Author:

Anne Harvester writes about-- organic avocado oil.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Health Benefits of Unrefined Avocado Oil