I went to a certain market today (it’s one of my favorites) and I gasped when I saw the price for one avocado…$1.69! I absolutely adore eating avocados…but almost $2…for ONE? It wasn’t even organic! Must. Keep. Searching.
I digressed…Did you know that avocados are the perfect first food for infants? I didn’t! And I’m assuming they don’t mean guacamole or that spicy avocado dip my husband makes. The reason why they’re perfect for children is that they contain monounsaturated fats which are necessary for optimal mental and physical development in children (they’re also soft for teeny babies without teeth). Just mush a ripe avocado and freeze it in ice trays for homemade baby food (I’m going to try that with my daughter when she starts eating!). When my daughter was struggling with gaining weight, the lactation consultant told me to eat good fat. Her suggestion? Olive oil and avocados!
Avocados are not only delicious, they’re packed with 20 vitamins and minerals including potassium, vitamins B6, C, and E, folate, and fiber. They also help the body efficiently absorb fat-soluble vitamins (like A, D, and E) from other foods, so be sure to eat them with foods like tomatoes, carrots, and spinach. Avocados also add flavor and texture to foods. Mexico is the only place in the world where a single avocado tree blooms four times a year, which means they’re typically available year-round. Right now (in the spring) they’re especially creamy and buttery (can you say YUM!?).
Avocados From Mexico is a great resource for kid-friendly recipes. I personally like to put avocados in sandwiches for my son and mash it with tomatoes, cilantrp, onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for fresh guacomole. Here are a few creative ideas I found on their website:
1. Mash an avocado and serve it as a dip for fruits and veggies
2. Combine canned tuna with avocado and use it as a filling for finger sandwiches
3. Spread avocado onto a lightly toasted bagel (much healthier than mayo or butter…both foods my son can’t have)
4. Serve chunks of avocado as a snack with ranch dressing (we have to use a dairy and egg-free dressing)
One of the things I find challenging about avocados is storing them long enough to keep them from going bad. I recently learned that they can be stored in the fridge (which extends their life). You can also squeeze lemon or lime juice over exposed avocado to keep it from turning brown.
For more recipes, nutrition information, and fun avocado facts…just visit Avocados From Mexico!
I did not receive compensation for this post. Product samples were provided to facilitate this review.
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Yum!
Avocados are always about that price here in NJ- often they’re 2 for $5! I grew up in Cali and was so spoiled by how cheap they are year-round there.
Both of my boys had avocado as a baby food- it really is a great food for little ones. High in good fats and nutrients, mild flavor, nice smooth texture.
I love this post! I blog about making my own babyfood and recently am experimenting with avocado recipes. Today I combined with banana and blueberries…went well! LOVE avocados! Cheers!
Yes, avocados are a fantastic brain food. I used to blend them into my babies’ food on a regular basis. My mother added sliced avocado drizzled in lemon juice to her summer salads. ooh la la!
We just had avocados in our salad for dinner tonight. Yum. I think the avocado was $1 even. A little pricey, but worth it…