Avocados: This Month’s Superfood

Avocados have been lovingly referred to as “nature’s butter”, but they’re actually quite different from their dairy comparison. This unique fruit is more than just a base for guacamole: it’s packing vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy fats. Below, you’ll find our signature recipe for Black Bean Avocado Enchiladas. If you make them, please submit a comment on our school dining site letting us know what you thought! While you’re there, be sure to check out our nutrition resources and read more about our programs.

Did you know?

  • Avocados are a fruit, not a vegetable, belonging to the genus Persea in the Lauraceae family
  • Avocados are a good source of monounsaturated fat, which has been shown to lower the risk for heart disease
  • The avocado is also called an Alligator Pear because of its pear-like shape and green skin
  • How do you know if an avocado is ripe? Give it a squeeze. Ripe, ready-to-eat avocados will be firm, but yield to gentle pressure
  • Avocados are nutrient-dense with a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial nutrients
  • Avocados make great additions to salads, sandwiches, and hot items at the grill
  • There are thousands of varieties of avocados. The most common ones available are Hass, Lamb Hass, Fuerte, Bacon, Pinkerton, Gwen, Reed, and Zutano
  • Avocados are part of some of the healthiest eating plans including DASH and the Mediterranean Diet

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