Enjoying Avocados on Mexican Independence Day and beyond

Tuesday, August 27th, 2013 Toronto, Ontario – Yes, the avocado is everywhere lately and with good reason; it is a tasty, nutrition powerhouse, a perfect food for everyday but especially on September 16th, Mexican Independence Day. Avocados from Mexico (AFM) will be giving away 10,000 avocados in Toronto to celebrate the occasion – perfect to enjoy at lunch or take home to complement dinner.

“Independence Day or día de la Independencia in Mexico is a true celebration of freedom, family, fun and food,” said Chef Jose Hadad, executive chef and co-owner of Frida restaurant in Toronto. A native of Mexico City, Chef Hadad reminisces about Independence Day celebrations and the emphasis on sharing in the festivities and festive foods for the holiday. “Given Canada’s love for all things authentically Mexican, particularly avocados, there’s no better way to bring some of that celebración Mexicana to Canada than by cooking with avocados.”

Canadians’ love affair with avocados has been steadily intensifying. Canada is the third largest importer of avocados from Mexico1 and the fruit was ranked among Canadian chefs’ top 10 perennial favourites, in the CRFA 2013 Chef Trends Survey2. Not surprising given its noteworthy versatility and nutritional content – it’s one of the world’s most nutritious fruits. AFM have an endless season, meaning their uncompromising taste and quality are available year-round. In honour of Mexico as the birthplace of avocados3 and in celebration of Mexican Independence Day, AFM encourages Canadians to try these authentic Mexican festive recipes:

Key Health & Beauty Benefits of Avocados:

• Contain almost 20 essential nutrients such as folic acid, protein, iron, vitamin E, vitamin K and a variety of B vitamins, just to name a few;
• Boast more than 9 grams of fibre per avocado – more than any other fruit;
• Are cholesterol free; a good source of lutein, which helps maintain healthy eyesight; a source of potassium and are low in sodium, which helps regulate blood pressure;
• Contain “good” fat content making them ideal for use in a variety of meal items
• Avocados can be used instead of dairy/lactose and gluten-based ingredients; and
• Avocados may help improve the look of skin. The oil contained in the avocado may also significantly increase the amount of collagen in skin, which is normally depleted with age, reducing wrinkles and improving skin tone.

When Selecting an Avocado to Eat:

• Today: choose an avocado that is almost black and yields to gentle pressure.
• In 2-3 days: choose an avocado that is green with dark patches starting to appear.
• In 4-5 days: choose an avocado that is completely green and firm to the touch. To speed the ripening process, place avocados in a loosely closed brown paper bag at room temperature.
• Ripe avocados can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

About Avocados from Mexico

• More than 80 per cent of avocados sold in Canada in 2012 were imported from Mexico.
• Canada’s per capita consumption ranks second following the U.S.A.
• Mexico is recognized as the world’s first avocado growing region.
• Mexico’s rich volcanic soil and semitropical climate produce a superior tasting avocado. Mexican avocado trees bloom four times a year, allowing for consistent quality fruit.

CONTEST
A contest hosted on missavacado.ca from September 1st to the 30th will give avocado lovers in Ontario and Atlantic Canada another reason to celebrate. Sharing why they love avocados from Mexico could win one lucky entrant a pair of travel vouchers valued at $1,000 each. What’s not to love?

About Avocados from Mexico and APEAM
APEAM, (Avocado Producers and Exporting Packers Association of Mexico) is a non-profit organization founded in 1997 to represent the Hass avocado industry from Mexico. APEAM, is dedicated to developing and implementing stringent quality measures to ensure the production of the finest avocados available anywhere, worldwide. APEAM currently represents more than 10,000 producers and 37 packers with more than 70,000 hectares under avocado cultivation in the state of Michoacán, the heart of Mexico’s main avocado growing region.

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For more information on Avocados from Mexico, please visit missavacado.ca or contact:

Joanne D’Souza or Pereina Choudhury at Faye Clack Communications
(Tel: 416.255.6879 ext 231) or
(Tel: 416.255.6879 ext 238)