Alligator Pear
Some Interesting Facts about Alligator Pears
Alligator pears have many nicknames, but this is the most common. While there is some debate as to how the fruit came to be called alligator pear, many think that it was given this name in reference to the skin, which is a bit rough. Others think that the term alligator pears came along simply because people mispronounced an early West Indian name for the fruit. Most likely know this fruit by its more common name: avocado. Read on to learn some interesting facts about this fruit that most mistake for a vegetable.
Not That Kind of Girl
Who would have thought that eating fruit could give someone the reputation of being a bit promiscuous? But that is exactly what happened during the time that the alligator pear was thought to be an aphrodisiac. Since the fruit was looked on as being capable of arousing sexual desire, many people avoided purchasing the fruit, lest some think that they were up to some frisky business and they garner an ill reputation.
Not Straight From the Tree
One of the more interesting facts about alligator pears is that they will not fully ripen while still on the tree. Unlike other fruit that will reach its prime and then fall from the tree, alligator pears must be removed in order to ripen.
Loaded in Fat and Good for You
Alligator pears are loaded in fat. Since the fat is monounsaturated, which is the type of fat that you need in order to maintain optimum heart health, it is still good for you. They are also full of potassium, Vitamin E, folic acid and other important nutrients.
Congratulations!
Not sure what to get the happy couple for their wedding day? Why not just gift wrap an alligator pear and wish them all the best? While this might seem like a strange gift, in Brazil it is quite common. This tradition of giving a newly married couple an alligator pear as a gift stems from the fact that the fruit was once considered a luxury that only the very rich could enjoy.
Avocado Ice Cream Anyone?
While many enjoy avocado made into guacamole or even sliced fresh and used in salads and sandwiches, not quite as many people think that alligator pears would make a delicious ice cream. You must head back to Brazil in order to find the people that do use this fruit to make all kinds of frozen treats including ice cream, milk shakes and sherbet.
Because this fruit is so filling and full of nutrients, it is quite popular among vegetarians. They use it on sandwiches and in breakfast dishes as a way to ramp up the satisfaction of their meal without adding any meat. It also, as mentioned above, provides many required nutrients so it is a healthy choice.
As is the case with most good-for-you foods, alligator pears are best eaten in their natural state. But even when used in recipes, they often retain much of the nutrients.
Adding alligator pears to your diet can be a heart healthy choice. Find a few recipes today that will allow you to find ways to incorporate this fruit into your diet.