Avo good day

They’re in season and cheaper. So give your immune system a boost, writes Lutho Pasiya

AVOCADOS ARE in season and, to the delight of foodies, they’re also cheaper. Many are buying, eating and cooking with avocados and you should be too. According to chefs, avocado is an indulgent, but good-for-you food.

Chef Khotso Mosia said avocados are versatile when it comes to cooking and can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes.

“Where savoury dishes are concerned one can turn the humble avocado and use it in soups, salads, dressings, dips, spreads, mousses, juices, smoothies, stuffings or as a main source of fat and protein in vegan or vegetarian dishes,” he said.

“As for sweet dishes they could be used in sponge puddings, frostings, creams or as flavouring in ice-creams, milkshakes and other dessert drinks.”

Asked why more people should cook with avocados, he said they are a rich source of nutrients, high in healthy essential fats, vitamins and proteins.

“Although costly, avocados are packed with vitamins, rich in several B vitamins and vitamins K, C, E and potassium.

“This makes them a great food for those on restrictive vegan and vegetarian diets, as they can comfortably provide the nutrition they may lack from not investing in meat proteins.

“Their creamy texture makes them a great substitute for an animal product such as butter or a synthetic one such as margarine as a spread on sandwiches or on toast.

“Other groups that would benefit are infants and young children, the sick and the elderly as the avocado can be puréed and used more easily and administered to them to provide the nutrients they need in a tasty yet manageable manner,” said Mosia.

Executive culinary artist of Granny Mouse Country House & Spa, Wayland Green, said avocado makes food better and talked about how and why we should be cooking with it.

“Avocados are rich in fibre, carbs and antioxidants which are good for the body.

“People should cook with avocados, because they are good at maintaining blood sugar and balance cholesterol levels. They also help with digestion and in repairing damaged tissues in the body as well,” he said.

Here are three ways to get the most out of your avocado.