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| Avocado |
By balancing blood lipids, avocados (and particularly avocado oil) encourage heart health. The avocado oil content is about 71% monounsaturated fatty acids, 13% polyunsaturated fatty acids and 16% saturated fatty acids in terms of their chemical structure. Diets moderately elevated in healthy fats— particularly monounsaturated fat, or MUFAs — are known to more efficiently block plaque buildup in the arteries than diets high in insulin-spiking carbohydrates. In relation to their fat content, avocado fiber and the presence of beta-sitosterol compounds, magnesium and potassium may also assist to decrease blood pressure and cholesterol concentrations.
Avocado Growing Season
Most species of avocado tree are at their peak between August and November, but the increasing seasons of avocado differ slightly based on the type. "Plants bloom in late winter, and pollination is complicated," the Southern Living Garden Book says. When cultivated alone, most kinds will generate some fruit, but when two or more selections are planted, manufacturing is heavier. Fruit ripens from winter to summer.
How to Grow an Avocado Tree
1. Save an avocado pit (without breaking or cutting) and wash away any residues. Let dry, then insert about halfway up the side of the pit 3-4 toothpicks.
2. In a drinking glass or jar, suspend the pit wide down. The Missouri Botanical Garden recommends filling the container with enough water to submerge the bottom third of the seed.
3. Place the glass out of direct sunlight in a hot place and frequently alter the water. In 2-6 weeks or so, roots and a sprout should appear. If not, begin with a different seed.
4. Cut it back to about 3 inches to encourage more root development when the sprout gets about 6 inches high.
5. Plant the pit in a 10-inch pot filled with wealthy potting soil once the stem grows out again. Now it's time to grow, grow, grow, grow your avocado tree!
Avocado Plant Care
Keep the avocado plant hot and sunny. Water often with a sometimes profound soak. Keep moist but not excessively saturated plant. Make sure that the soil drains well, as with most crops.
To encourage a bushier appearance, pinch the stem back each time your plant grows another six inches or so.
If you live in a hot enough climate, once it's large enough, plant your tree outside. It could actually bear fruit in time (we're talking about a lot of years).
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