Fruitful Indulgence

The Saikar Vegetable Suppliers at Shivaji Market,Camp,sell avocados round the year. “The fruit is a huge hit among health conscious people and eateries around the city,” says Yashoda Saikar,owner. Saikar has noted a considerable increase in the sale of avocados in the last two years. “Two years back,avocados were very expensive. However,now priced at Rs 200 per kg in season,the avocado has a loyal customer base,” she adds. During winters,which is considered the off-season period,Sai Shakti Vegetable Mart at mandai sells avocado at Rs 160 per kg. They are procured from Bengaluru. “Always pick ripe avocados,” says Ramchander Dimber,owner.

Growing Stage

Though widely available in city markets,experts feel that the fruit is not “getting its due recognition”. Abhilash Gorhe began Avocado India,an organisation of avocado growers,to bring the “stakeholders on a common platform”,at Nashik,in December 2010. “The association began with six interested members and it does extensive research on grooming of avocados,required climate conditions and other research,” says Gorhe who aims to open membership to avocado growers in the next two months to “increase its commercial plantation.”

The Health Metre

One cup of freshly scooped avocado when added to any salad can be a good source of fibre,potassium and folic acid. However,with the high cholesterol content,doctors suggest a moderate intake. “It is also a source of vitamin E and is an anti-oxidant,” informs skin specialist,Dr V Ghorpade. “For the vegans,the avocado is the perfect substitute to butter. It is a source of 20 nutrients,and with some seasoning,it turns into a buttery spread,without the fat of course,” says Chandra Shekhar Pandey,executive chef,Courtyard by Marriott Pune City Centre.

Eating Out

Indulge in the Avocado Wasabi,Avocado Apple Salad,Mango Avocado Salsa and Crema Di Avocado at Little Italy,Ganeshkhind. “We serve it in chopped pieces for the salads and scoop out the content to give a twist to the dips and salsas,” says Amit Sharma,the head chef at Little Italy.

Twisted Tales

Chef Pandey shares two easy recipes to whip up avocado delicacies. “Give an avocado,corn,coriander twist to the parathas. Mash the avocado to a smooth paste adding a few drops of lemon juice. Add a hint of grated corn to the stuffing and the Avocado-Corn paratha is ready. For an avocado smoothie,blend avocados,milk and vanilla ice cream,” he explains.