Grilled Avocados (© photo courtesy of California Avocado Commission)

There’ll be plenty of folks purchasing avocados to make guacamole for football gatherings this weekend, but there are plenty of other ways to make use of the delicious and healthy fruit. If you’re ready for some grilling in February give this simple recipe from the California Avocado Commission a try. As with other fruits, the process of grilling heightens the flavor and imparts a delightful texture. The heat from the grill concentrates the flavor by reducing the water and caramelizing the natural sugars.

Avocados contribute nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds that can contribute to the nutrient quality of your diet. They are cholesterol-free and have only 5 grams of fat per serving, most of it the monounsaturated kind. Avocados were once a luxury food reserved for the tables of royalty, but now California avocados are enjoyed around the world by people from all walks of life. Follow the recipe below and you’ll discover that avocados aren’t just for salads and guacamole!

Ingredients for 4 Servings

• 3 Large ripe, Fresh California Avocados
• 3 Tablespoons fresh lime or lemon juice
• 2 Tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
• Seasoned salt to taste
• ¾ Cup fresh salsa, optional for half shell version

Preparation

For Grilled Slices:
1. Cut avocado in half, seed, peel, and slice.
2. Drizzle with fresh lime or lemon juice and brush lightly with olive oil.
3. Gently place slices on grill over hot coals for 2 minutes on each side.
4. Season with salt to taste.

For Grilled Half Shells:
1. Cut avocado in half and remove seed.
2. Drizzle with fresh lime or lemon juice and brush lightly with olive oil.
3. Gently place cut side down on grill over hot coals for 2-3 minutes.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Optional: fill with fresh salsa or your favorite fresh ingredients.

Copyright Courtesy of California Avocado Commission

If you’d like to purchase some delicious fruit salsa from made from fresh produce grown on the Szarek family’s farm go to:
Spike's Hot Fruit Salsa
Violet's Medium Fruit Salsa
Vinca's Sweet Fruit Salsa

To purchase the finest extra virgin olive oil we've been able to find go to: L'Autunno Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil

To learn more about California avocados, their heath benefits & growing an avocado tree go to: California Avocado Commission