Introduction

Picture this: it’s July 31st, and your favorite restaurant just announced free guacamole for National Avocado Day. You’re excited to celebrate, but you’re also wondering how else you can make the most of this special day. Whether you’re an avocado aficionado or just looking for fun ways to spice up your meals, National Avocado Day is the perfect time to explore new recipes and creative ways to use this versatile fruit.

Avocado toast on wooden table.

But with so many options, the challenge lies in figuring out how to celebrate best. Should you throw an avocado-themed party? Try a new recipe like avocado ice cream? Or maybe even create a DIY avocado face mask? If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, don’t worry. This guide will answer all your questions about National Avocado Day, giving you tips, tricks, and recipes to ensure you celebrate like a true avocado lover!

Table of Contents

Origins of National Avocado Day

National Avocado Day was started by a company called Model Foods in 2017. Their goal was to celebrate avocados and get more people to enjoy them. They chose July 31st as the special day.

Avocados have become really popular because they are tasty and healthy. Model Foods wanted people to have fun and learn more about avocados on National Avocado Day. They hoped that by promoting the day, more people would try different avocado recipes and appreciate this unique fruit.

Since then, restaurants and stores have joined in the celebration by offering special deals and discounts. People also share their favorite avocado recipes and ideas, making National Avocado Day a fun and exciting event for everyone who loves avocados!

The Origin of Avocados

Avocados are a tree-grown fruit, and technically a berry. Not only have they become a staple in our diet, avocados are great for the body and mind! A great source of nutrients, avocados include folate, magnesium, potassium, and important vitamins C, E, K, and various B vitamins. They contain the most protein and fiber of any fruit.

Eaten in the Americas since at least 500 BCE, avocados didn’t start entering the popular consciousness until the early 20th century. Previously known as ‘alligator pears,’ the California Avocado Growers’ Exchange lobbied for a name change to make them more sellable. This green fruit went by a few names before settling on what we call them today.

And, during, the coronavirus pandemic, avocados are even part of relief efforts. Residents around Washington, DC can stock their pantries with this healthy superfood courtesy of Avocados from Peru and Giant Food.

“Avocados are not only a versatile ingredient that can be used for anything from breakfast to sweet or savory dishes, they also make us feel good and are nutritionally dense, packed with vitamins, minerals and healthy mono-saturated fats,” said Lisa Coleman, director of healthy living at Giant Food. “We are excited to be able to provide this superfood as part of our ongoing efforts to make sure that all families in our community have access to healthy food options.”

“The pandemic has had no effect on shipments, which is somewhat surprising since the foodservice market has been decimated,” according to Xavier Equihua, president and CEO of Peruvian Avocado Commission. “People are still seeking them out due to their status as a healthy comfort food.”

How to Celebrate National Avocado Day

There are so many fun ways to celebrate National Avocado Day! You can start by adding avocados to your favorite meals. Make some delicious guacamole to share with friends, or put avocado slices on your morning toast. You can even blend avocados into a smoothie for a tasty and healthy drink.

Another idea is to host an avocado-themed party. Invite your friends over and serve different dishes that include avocados. You can have an avocado tasting station or make avocado sushi rolls together. Don’t forget to decorate with avocado-themed items like balloons and napkins!

Many restaurants and stores also join the celebration by offering special deals on avocados and avocado dishes. Check with your favorite restaurants to see if they’re giving away free guacamole or have discounts on their avocado dishes. You might find grocery stores offering discounts on avocados too.

If you want to get really creative, try making avocado ice cream or use avocado oil for cooking. Avocados are not just for eating! You can also make DIY face masks or hair treatments with them to treat yourself to some relaxing self-care.

No matter how you decide to celebrate, National Avocado Day is a great chance to enjoy this tasty fruit and try something new!

Additional Avocado Tips and Tricks

How to Tell if an Avocado is Overripe

An overripe avocado will feel too soft and might have sunken spots on its skin. It could also smell sour or have brown streaks inside. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best not to eat it.

Storage Tips

  • Whole Avocados: If your avocados are unripe, leave them at room temperature until they soften up. Once ripe, put them in the fridge to slow down ripening and keep them fresh longer.
  • Cut Avocados: Wrap the cut avocado tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to prevent browning.

Choosing Between Hass and Other Varieties

  • Hass Avocados: These are the most popular avocados with dark, pebbly skin. They have a rich, creamy flavor and are great for guacamole.
  • Other Varieties: Florida avocados are larger and have smooth, bright green skin. They’re less creamy but have a milder flavor. Choose the variety that best suits your recipe.

Quick Ripening Tips

If your avocados are too hard, try ripening them faster by placing them in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana. The fruits give off a natural gas called ethylene that helps avocados ripen quickly.

Avocado Substitutes in Recipes

You can use avocados instead of butter or mayo for a healthier option. Try spreading mashed avocado on toast or using it as a creamy base for salad dressings and smoothies.

DIY Beauty Tricks with Avocados

Avocados aren’t just for eating! They make excellent beauty treatments because they’re full of vitamins and healthy fats.

  • Face Mask: Mash half an avocado and mix with honey or yogurt. Apply to your face for 15 minutes for soft, glowing skin.
  • Hair Treatment: Blend half an avocado with coconut oil. Massage into your hair, leave it on for 30 minutes, then rinse for silky, smooth hair.

With these handy tips and tricks, you’ll become an avocado expert in no time!

Conclusion

National Avocado Day offers a unique opportunity to indulge in the creamy goodness of avocados while exploring new and creative ways to celebrate this versatile fruit. From hosting an avocado-themed party to enjoying special deals at your favorite restaurants, there’s no shortage of fun ideas to make July 31st a memorable day.

Whether you’re perfecting your guacamole recipe, blending a refreshing smoothie, or trying out avocado beauty treatments, this day encourages you to embrace the vibrant world of avocados. With their rich flavor and numerous health benefits, avocados truly deserve a celebration all their own.

So mark your calendar, gather your friends, and get ready to celebrate National Avocado Day with a bounty of delicious dishes and creative avocado experiences. With the tips and tricks from this guide, you’re all set to make the most of the day and discover even more reasons to love avocados!

Updated May 2024.

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