Avocado

In Vietnam, agricultural land is expansive, and the climate paired with its rich red basalt soil provides ideal conditions for farming and fruit cultivation. This is why avocado orchards are commonly seen in the Central region of Vietnam, attracting tourists to experience the local agricultural landscape. Avocado, originally hailing from Mexico and Central America, is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients, contributing to its growing popularity in recent years.

Various Types of Avocado

Vietnam boasts several popular variants of avocado, including:

Waxy Avocado

The waxy avocado features a greenish skin and a slightly lumpy texture. Its shape is somewhat intermediate; it is neither too round nor excessively elongated.

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Tu Quy Avocado

Commonly referred to as the off-season avocado, this variant thrives in dry, cool weather, making it ideal for the Central Highlands' climate. It is elongated in shape and has a large size with a thin, glossy skin.

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034 Avocado

Natively from Lam Dong, this avocado is akin to the waxy variety but typically features smaller seeds or is even seedless. When ripe, it adopts a long shape.

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Reed Avocado

Originally from America, the Reed avocado was successfully tested and cultivated in Buon Ma Thuot city upon its introduction to Vietnam. It has a light green skin that darkens to a deep purple when ripe. This variety is known for its thick, chewy flesh that is easy to peel and often has a rippled appearance.

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How to Eat Avocados

While avocados are rich in nutritious benefits, improper consumption can lead to various side effects. Here are some guidelines for enjoying this fruit:

• Practice moderation: Nutrition experts suggest consuming only half an avocado per day, with 2 tablespoons (about 1/6 of the fruit) being the optimal serving. Each tablespoon of avocado provides approximately 55 calories and 5 grams of healthy fats.
• Enjoy the dark green flesh: Many people mistakenly scrape away the dark green flesh beneath the skin when eating avocados. This part is the most nutrient-dense, so ensure that you consume it to maximize health benefits.
• Limit intake for liver health: Individuals with liver disease should restrict their avocado consumption, as excessive collagen may accumulate and impair liver function.

Where Avocados Are Grown in Vietnam

Avocado trees are cultivated in various regions across Lam Dong, the Central Highlands, and the Southeastern parts of Vietnam. These trees are often intercropped in gardens. The peak season for avocados is in summer. Due to their high economic viability, many farmers in Chau Duc district of Vung Tau have transitioned to specializing in avocado cultivation. With relatively low maintenance, avocado farming allows farmers to earn a high income without extensive manual labor.

Benefits

Avocados offer a wide array of health benefits and are highly regarded for their nutritional value and contributions to well-being. They serve various purposes: as fresh fruit, in culinary dishes, as oil, or in beauty products. Not only do they make delicious smoothies, but avocados are also known to aid in the treatment of various ailments while being easy to digest. Suitable for all ages, especially the elderly and children, avocados are a rich source of nutrients that protect brain cells and improve memory thanks to their Vitamin B complex content.

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Moreover, with their abundant nutrition and lower calorie content, avocados are an excellent choice for those pursuing weight loss.

Dishes Made from Avocado

In Vietnam, avocados are frequently used as a key ingredient in various dishes, such as salads, smoothies, ice creams, sauces, or as fillings for bread. These dishes have become staples in the daily diet of many Vietnamese households.