There's So Much More than Just Guacamole and Avocado Toast!

We are all about avocados here at Nino’s. We take pride in offering the freshest avocados hailing from both Mexico and California in our stores. One of the hardest parts about understanding the avocado is knowing how to pick a ripe one. 

We asked Joe Santoro, Senior Produce Buyer here at Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace, for his tips on picking the best avocado when you come to our stores. Joe tells us “The key to buying avocados is to first determine when you plan to eat them. The darker (blacker) the avocado the riper it is. I usually tell customers that are shopping for a few days to buy different stages of ripeness and then eat them accordingly.” 

For more details, we turned to Avocados from Mexico for their tips on selecting the best avocado. According to their website: There are 3 stages of ripeness for an avocado. First, the avocado will be green in color and very firm. It will ripen in about 7 days at room temperature. Second, darker green and has a slight give at the top and bottom, needs another 2-3 days. Third, black in color and yields to gentle pressure. Enjoy today or refrigerate for later!

Once you have picked the perfect avocado, you're ready to rock and roll! In addition to adding great taste, flavor and depth to your meals and recipes, avocado are famous for their nutritional benefits. We turned to California Avocado for details on their nutrition facts. In summary, California Avocado tells us that avocados are a heart-healthy, nutrient-dense superfood, containing good fats. In addition, avocados are a naturally sodium, sugar and cholesterol-free food and avocados can act as a “nutrient booster” by helping increase the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients such as vitamins A, D, K and E. Lastly they tell us that one-third of a medium avocado (50 g) has 80 calories and contributes nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, making it a heart-healthy choice to help meet nutrient needs. In March of 2022, The American Heart Association published an article titled “Eating an Avocado Once A Week May Lower Heart Disease Risk” found here.

Whether you are an avocado toast connoisseur or just getting started with experimenting with avocado, we have some great tips and tricks to get you used to this incredible superfood, going way beyond the traditional guacamole. Check them out below! 

Tips to Incorporate Avocado Into Your Diet

• Swap the mayo on your favorite turkey sandwich for mashed avocado spread seasoned with salt and pepper. If you are opting for mayo, try avocado oil based mayo from brands such as Chosen Foods.
• Toss avocado into your smoothies for a creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats. No time to make your own? Check out the Pressed Juice Avocado Greens Smoothie ready to grab and go on our store shelves.
• Add avocado slices to your burgers in addition to lettuce and tomatoes
• Create the breakfast of champions in a variety of ways: Avocado Toast! Whether you are adding smoked salmon, eggs, cheese or just avocado itself, Nino’s offers Alessi Avocado Toast Seasoning in our spice aisle.
• Start cooking and experimenting with Avocado Oil as an alternative healthy fat to your traditional olive oil. You can also experiment with salad dressings made with avocado or avocado oils. We are proud to offer dressings and oils from brands including:
  • Cindy’s Kitchen Avocado Vinaigrette
  • Brianna’s Avocado Oil Dressings: Caesar, Classic Balsamic, Herb Vinaigrette, Dairy Free Garden Ranch,
  • Avocado Oils: International Collection, Chosen Foods, Delallo

Looking for some creative ways to use avocados (beyond the guacamole)  in addition to the tips above this summer? Here are some delicious recipes to get you excited on this year’s National Avocado Day! 

Nino’s Whipped Feta & Avocado Veggie & Chip Dip 

Summer Avocado Watermelon Salad

Fish Taco Salad with Avocado

Avocado Tuna Salad

Korean Avocado Kimchi Salad Cups 

Avocado and Coconut Ice Cream

Avocado Key Lime Pudding in Jars 

Avocado Blueberry Pops 

For more tips on all things avocado including how to store, freeze, prepare and create with you avocado visit California Avocado How To Guides  

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