Avocadomania

Book excerpt: From social media to hipster menus, avocados are trending, and this utterly original cookbook from the avocado’s native Mexico celebrates the fruit that went from Aztec aphrodisiac to twenty-first-century clean-eating superfood. Everything there is to know about avocados is here: ancient origins, amazing health properties, restorative cosmetic uses, and a recipe collection far beyond the tried and true. This book features a fresh visual design aesthetic that reflects the creative sensibility of Mexican contemporary art, graphic design, atmospheric photography, and street style. Recipes cover everything from guacamole in many variations, salads, unusual sides, many permutations of avocado toast—even toastless avocado sandwiches—as well as less well-known and offbeat uses. The book also explores avocado butter and oil; detoxifying smoothies; rejuvenating cosmetic salves and masks, and much more. Practical matters are also addressed: an avocado overview by type; storage tips; preserving the brilliant green flesh from browning; ripening immature fruits; and safety tips for slicing and de-pitting. Avocados are grown in Mediterranean climates globally and dominate social media, hip restaurant menus, and health-based diets, but this is the first book paying tribute to the superfruit’s deep roots as a native, Mexican heritage food. WINNER OF THE 2022 GOURMAND WORLD COOKBOOK AWARDS