It’s World Guacamole Month! And this year, it coincides perfectly with some of the world’s most prolific sporting events as we celebrate a summer of sports after a year stuck indoors.
Whether you are an avid tennis fan, a football fanatic, or an Olympics enthusiast, enjoy the nutritional benefits of the mighty avocado with Avocados in Bloom, the free cookbook from the World Avocado Organization (WAO) with over 50 original recipes.
And British shoppers can save £2 on every bag of five avocados they buy at Costco until the 18th of July so, with the UEFA Euro finals, the Olympics and Wimbledon all happening now, there’s never been a better time to dive into cooking with avocados.
Fuelling professionals and aspiring athletes
In the world of fitness, the avocado is revered for its anti-inflammatory properties. Containing folates, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K and Vitamin B6, the avocado can reduce systemic inflammation caused by the constant pressure to maintain peak performance while promoting faster recovery.
That’s why athletes across sports and nations count on the avocado’s health-boosting properties, from Cristiano Rinaldo who has it on toast as a post-breakfast snack to Tom Brady’s famous avocado ice cream. Its versatility and creaminess can bring a sense of indulgence and joy to even the most restrictive diets.
What’s more, the avocado actually has more than twice as much potassium as a banana.
Potassium is a crucial ingredient for peak athletic performance. It helps maintain electrolyte balance, prevents cramping and reduces blood pressure (which is good news for spectators too).
Speaking of pressure, when the football’s on, dinner can sometimes get lost in the excitement and more often than not, fans are either celebrating or commiserating with a beer or two.
During the England-Germany match, England fans bought an estimated 5 million pints! To make sure you enjoy the next big game and the morning after, why not whip up some guacamole ahead of time? The snacking staple is easy to prepare and delicious.
What’s more, eating avocados can drastically slow down how quickly alcohol is absorbed by your body, thanks to their healthy fats.
“Our health is our most valuable asset. It has been a long year and a half for many who have been confined by COVID-19 restrictions.
But now there is light at the end of the tunnel as all the world’s most enjoyed sporting events return to our screens.
Whether you are an athlete or a spectator, let the avocado work its magic as the ultimate sporty snack”, says Xavier Equihua, the CEO of the World Avocado Organization.
Avocado – nourishing inside and out
Are you ready to fuel your inner athlete? Whether it is WAO’s official guacamole recipe or the Legendary Xavier Super Smoothie packed with vitamins, you will never be caught off-side with the many recipes to celebrate this long-anticipated summer of sport.
And if you’ve been making the most of the nice weather and spent a little too much time in the sun, you can apply just the avocado to the skin directly, or mix it with a tablespoon of olive oil or aloe vera to help rehydrate skin and soothe the sunburn
Thanks to WAO’s partnership with Costco, shoppers will not only save £2 on every bag of five avocados until the 18th of July, but they will also get access to tips on how to pick the perfect avocado, free recipes and more thanks to the QR code on the mesh bag band.
So whether it’s the finals at Wembley, Wimbledon or Tokyo that’s got you on the edge of your seat, you can add delicious and nutritious recipes to your pre-game ritual!
WAO’s Classic Guacamole
This one is for the purists. Guacamole is a classic dip with countless variations around the world. Feel free to make it your own or keep it simple and delicious.
Ingredients:½ a small red onion
1-2 fresh red chillies or jalapeños (optional)
3 ripe avocados
1 bunch of fresh coriander
2 ripe tomatoes
2 limes
Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
Peel the onion and deseed 1 chilli (if using), then roughly chop it all on a large board.
Destone the avocados and scoop the flesh onto the board.
Start chopping it all together until fine and well combined.
Pick over most of the coriander leaves, roughly chop and add the tomatoes, then continue chopping it all together.
Add the juice from 1 lime, then season to taste with sea salt, black pepper and more lime juice if needed.
Deseed, finely chop and scatter over the remaining chilli if you like more of a kick. Pick over the reserved coriander leaves, then serve.
The Legendary Xavier Super Smoothie
As a lifelong avocado aficionado, Xavier Equihua, the CEO of the World Avocado Organization, shares his favourite smoothie recipe. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
1 tbsp. oats
1 avocado, pit and skin removed
1 tbsp. chia seeds
1 tbsp. hemp seeds
2–3 pitted dates, finely chopped
150ml unsweetened almond milk
125g frozen blueberries
A handful of frozen raspberries
Toppings: hemp seeds, chia seeds, sliced avocado, rose petals, puffed grains
Method:
Pulse the oats in the food processor or blender until fine.
Add all the other ingredients in and blend them until smooth. If you like your smoothie to be thinner, add some extra almond milk.
For presentation and colour that pops, blend in a handful of frozen raspberries.
Add extra almond milk if you’d like your smoothie to be thinner
Serve immediately in a glass with a reusable straw or as an attractive smoothie bowl. If you’re having it as a smoothie bowl, top it with toppings of your choice.
You can follow WAO on the following platforms: Facebook: @avocadofruitoflife – Instagram: @avocadofruitoflife