Naughty Avocado Toast? You Won’t Believe The SCANDALOUS History Of Avocados!
😳 You won’t believe the SCANDALOUS history of avocados! This story will make you blush and giggle next time you order avocado toast. 🥑 #AvocadoFacts #FoodHistory #HealthyEating
Edina, Minnesota – You’ll never look at this creamy green fruit the same way again once you learn about its scandalous past. Get ready to giggle! And yes, we just said “fruit” – don’t worry – we’ll get to the fruit vs. vegetable debate in a sec! But first, why am I blushing while writing this blog article?
Why We Love Avocados
There are so many reasons to adore avocados. They’re packed with healthy fats that keep your heart happy and lower your chances of getting sick. Plus, they just taste darn delicious! But you might start blushing when you find out where their name came from.
A Raunchy Origin Story
Avocados originally came from Mexico and Central America, where the indigenous Nahua people discovered them. Back then, the Nahua had a pretty cheeky name for avocados – they called them “āhuacatl,” which was also their word for (get ready for it) “testicles!” Yep, you read that right.
Why on earth would they choose such a naughty name? Well, scholars think it’s because avocados have a rather suggestive shape. The Nahua also believed avocados put some extra pep in your step, if you know what we mean. They probably used the word “āhuacatl” the same way we might jokingly say “nuts” today.
Lost in Translation
When the Spanish conquistadors arrived, they weren’t quite sure what to make of the Nahua’s silly name for avocados. They ended up changing it to “aguacate,” which sounds a bit more family-friendly.
But when the United States started importing avocados, the name still didn’t quite click. Marketers tried calling them “avagato pears” and “alligator pears” because of their unique shape. Finally, they settled on the name we all know and love: avocado.
So, what about guacamole? Some folks claim it means “testicle sauce” in Nahuatl (the language of the Nahua people). But language experts say that’s not quite right. By the time guacamole came around, avocados were already being called “aguacate” in Spanish, which didn’t have the same naughty meaning. Phew!
The Great Fruit or Vegetable Debate
I promised you we’d talk about this. So, now that you know about avocados’ blush-worthy backstory, you might be wondering: are they a fruit or a vegetable? The answer is…both!
From a botanical standpoint, avocados are fruits because they contain a seed and grow from flowers. But in the kitchen, we usually treat them like vegetables because of their savory flavor. You probably wouldn’t toss an avocado into a fruit salad, but they’re right at home in salads, sandwiches, and other veggie-forward dishes.
Here’s a fun fact: avocados are also technically berries! They form from a single flower and have one big seed in the middle. That pit is the seed – if you’re feeling patient, you can even try growing your own avocado tree from it.
A Superfood Superstar
No matter what you call them, there’s no denying that avocados are insanely good for you. They’ve earned their “superfood” status for a reason!
Avocados are loaded with healthy monounsaturated fats that can help lower your cholesterol. They’re also an excellent source of fiber and nearly 20 different vitamins and minerals. Eating avocados is great for your eyes, heart, digestion, and blood pressure.
Expecting a little one? Chow down on some avocado toast – one avocado gives you about 41% of the daily folate you need for a healthy pregnancy.
So go ahead and add this naughty little fruit (or veggie, or berry) to your plate as often as you like. Your body will thank you – even if your taste buds are still giggling about its scandalous history!
🗣 Did you know this naughty backstory about avocados? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
