Even before avocado toast became an Instagram sensation among the health and wellness conscious, the fruit has had tremendous impact on me.
The bland but creamy taste of avocado makes it the prefect base for everything. It adds depth to a smoothie, is perfectly paired with tomato and onions for guacamole and lends your green salad a satiety point so the dish doesn't taste hollow.
Avocado makes you full and does so while delivering what the body needs-- monounsaturated fatty acids and beta-sitosterol (the plant version of cholesterol that helps lower your cholesterol levels).
If not for the price-- it could go from RM8 and up per fruit, depending on size and origin, and its short lifespan (you can keep a ripe avocado in the fridge for three days, tops), I would eat one avocado a day.
A trip to the grocery store last Monday showed me that the Hass Australian avocado is in season. Taste Australia, the national brand representing the Australian horticulture industry has launched the A For Australian Avocados campaign, bringing with it plenty of healthy, nutritious avocados for everyone to enjoy.
Australian avocados are jam-packed with healthy fats and vitamins that support the immune system. They contain essential fatty acids that help with the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients such as vitamin E, and are also required for a healthy heart.
This nutrient-dense fruit gives, in a single serving of about 12.5g, a healthy boost of fibre, B vitamins, potassium, and antioxidants.
"This pandemic has been a catalyst for us to reexamine our health and eating habits," says Taste Australia spokesperson Matthew Dwyer.
"It is increasingly important that we are aware of foods that benefit our health and wellbeing. Australian avocados are packed with nutrients that can support your immunity, reduce tiredness and even support mental performance. On top of that, they are delicious and very versatile – just cut and eat it as is, or pair it with your favourite foods."
Dwyer also says that Australian avocados pair extremely well with Malaysian flavours. "Because they are so versatile with a rich creamy texture, they can be paired perfectly with many Malaysian recipes,"
"Whether you prefer to make an avocado and gula Melaka smoothie, or simply alongside your favourite sambal, you're sure to get a taste of nourishing goodness with every bite," he says.
In Malaysia, there are two types of Australian avocados. Hass is in season from May through January and Shepard's are in season from February through May. The Australian avocado season this year is in bountiful with good quality fruit.
Australian avocados are available in major supermarkets such as Jaya Grocer, Village Grocer, and Aeon as well at fruit markets, fruit shops as well as online at Shopee and Lazada. There are also avocado promotions with food outlets such as with Avocadian, The Fish Bowl and Nourish Me.
For more information, please visit Taste Australia Malaysia on Instagram and Facebook.
Use GrabFood voucher to enjoy fresh and hearty meals at home.