Persea americana

Persea americana is a tree native to South Central Mexico, classified as a member of the flowering plant family Lauraceae. The fruit of the plant, also known as an avocado (or avocado pear or alligator pear), is botanically a large berry containing a single large seed.

Description

Persea americana is a medium to large evergreen tree, reaching 15–30 m in height. The leaves are alternate, 12–25 cm long. The flowers are inconspicuous, greenish-yellow, 5–10 mm wide. The pear-shaped fruit is 7–20 cm long, weighs between 100 and 1000 g, and has a large central seed, 5–6.4 cm long.

Cultivation and uses

The avocado is a popular fruit in many parts of the world. It is often used in salads, and in places such as California, it is used in sandwiches, sushi, due to its good flavor and rich texture. The fruit is also used in both savory and sweet dishes.

Health benefits

The avocado is rich in monounsaturated fat, which is easily burned for energy. An avocado has more potassium than a banana and is a good source of vitamins K, E, and C, and B-vitamins, along with dietary fiber.

History

The native, undomesticated variety is known as a criollo, and small fruits were originally consumed by indigenous peoples of Mexico and Central America. The domesticated avocado Persea americana has been cultivated in these regions for thousands of years.

See also

• List of culinary fruits
• Avocado oil
• Avocado toast