Indigenous to Mexico and Central America, avocado is a derivative of the Spanish word ahuacate which itself comes form the Aztec name ahuacatl, funny enough it is the word for testicle :)

The avocado is rich and Vitamin E and other antioxidants as well as good qualities of potassium, beta-carotene, B vitamins and calcium. The biggest producers are Mexico, Indonesia, USA (California), Colombia and Brazil. Australia is the 19th biggest with the majority being grown in Queensland. The most popular here in Queensland are Hass and Shepard. Should you need to ripen, place avocado in a brown paper bag with a banana.

Guacamole is traditionally made from the following ingredients:
Avocado
Lime juice
Jalapeno chilli, chopped
Diced tomato
Diced red onion

David Pugh from Restaurant 2 whipped up a decadent dinner for the Avocado Masterclass. Showing us all that these forgotten fruits can be used in all manner of ways.

• Avocado tasting plate - natural, salted, sugared, shooter, flash fried with garlic chilli and rocket
• Chilled avocado and goats cheese soup
• Spanner crab tartlet, grilled scallop, steamed prawn, wasabi, avocado and pumpkin cream
• Seared Atlantic salmon, spiced avocado, crushed peas and chimi churri
• Beef cheeks, soft polenta, avocado gremolata
• Avocado and chocolate cheesecake with avocado banana ice cream

Victor Pisapia chef/presenter was most informative and engaging on showcasing avocados www.victorsfood.com

Victor Pisapia and David Pugh
Should you need any more information visit
www.avocado.org.au or
Avocados Australia
Anthony Allen
Level 1, 8/63 Annerley Road Woolloongabba
3846 6566
0438 132 477