Slimcado = A-No-cado

Here's just a quick blurb about the "slimcado." For those of you who don't know, the slimcado is a fairly new breed of avocado that I have seen a lot lately in grocery stores here in Florida. They are avocados that are bred to have less fat and less calories. Well, what they don't tell you is that it has less flavor. There's really no point in eating these. Even though avocados have gotten the bad rep of being fattening and bad for you -- well guess what? They're actually good for you! They have no cholesterol and have mostly good fat, and relatively little saturated fat. And that little bit of good fat makes them taste so good! Just eat them in moderation.

The slimcados are just pretty gross, to be honest with you. They are larger than your typical avocado, and they have a shiny, smooth, bright green skin. I've seen a sign that says you should eat them when they turn a reddish-purplish color, but I bought one the other day and it didn't get that color. It was perfectly ripe when it was still bright green, it just had small dark spots all over. The slimcado just tastes like a watery avocado. It doesn't have that rich yummy texture and flavor that you expect and WANT from an avocado. I was just curious about the slimcado, so that's why I bought it... Now I know and I don't ever have to buy one again. But if you're curious, too, or you have really convinced yourself that these are much better for you, then I recommend putting a lot of lime juice and salt to help out the flavor. But really, just stay away from them. The slimcado does not taste good, plain and simple.

Here's more info on the real, delicious, and healthy avocado (from http://www.avocado.org/):


Avocado Nutrition Structure/Function Statements:

• Avocados contain 81 micrograms of the carotenoid lutein, which some studies suggest may help maintain healthy eyes.


• Avocados are included in Fruits & Veggies-More Matters™ consumer educational program to promote increased consumption of fruits and vegetables for good health.


• Avocados contribute nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds that can contribute to the nutrient quality of your diet.


• Avocados, due to their mono and polyunsaturated fat content, are a healthy substitution for foods rich in saturated fat.


• One-fifth of a medium avocado (1 oz) has 50 calories and contributes nearly 20 vitamins and minerals making it a good nutrient choice.


• Avocados contain 76 milligrams beta-sitosterol in a 3-oz serving of avocado. Beta-sitosterol is a natural plant sterol which may help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.