Award Winning Guacamole
What makes a guacamole an “award winning” guacamole you ask? Nothing special actually, just fresh ingredients, the right amount of seasoning, a little bit of heat, and of course, California avocados. Was that too many commas? Anyway, I have the best, you might even say best “award winning” guacamole recipe for you today that’ll knock your avocado loving socks off.
I was recently invited to spend a day with the California Avocado Commission and Vons at a local California avocado grove to learn all about that special little green fruit. During the day, myself and other local food influencers had the opportunity to watch the fruit being picked from the trees, dine a ? inspired meal (that I have been dreaming about longingly ever since) and partake in a guacamole making contest (that I officially “unofficially” won). All opinions are my own.
Sunflowers are the perfect California avocado inspired lunch centerpiece!
Vons sources the best local ingredients right from our backyard!
The Perfect Fruit ?
You already know that avocados are delicious and basically taste good on almost anything – but did you know California avocados are a nutrient dense food that is free of sodium, cholesterol and sugar? Furthermore, the California avocado is literally the only fruit that contains monounsaturated fat (that’s the good fat!). And to top it off, avocados can act as a “nutrient booster” by helping increase the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients like Vitamins A, D, K and E. California avocados are the perfect snack for moms, kids and babies!
Our California avocado inspired meal…I ate ALL of it
Young tree dongles
Vons Sources the best Local Ingredients Right In Our Own Backyard
I mentioned that I went to a local California avocado grove to learn all about the awesome little fruit, but what I didn’t mention was how insanely, like, right down the road, this huge avocado grove was. I’ve lived in Orange County, California my whole life and I had no idea that resting in the hills above Irvine was a gigantic California avocado grove that provides Vons and Albertson’s with some seriously fresh, local avocados. During the tour of the grove, we learned the special science to growing the best California avocado crop. For example: California avocado trees like moderate temperatures, within 20 miles of the coast, with lots of water, 20 feet space between trees, with a large droopy like tree canopy and lots of dead vegetation on the ground to help supply nutrients to the shallow root system. There was more information too, like how California is the birthplace of the Hass avocado and California avocados are the only U.S. grown Hass avocados. It’s no wonder we love avocado toast so much. It was a monumentally fun day at the California avocado grove and I loved being a part of it. And now on to the good stuff…
Award Winning Guacamole Recipe
There’s nothing crazy special about this guacamole recipe. All you need are fresh ingredients, California avocados, chips and some friends to share it with.
Ingredients:
3 California Avocados (make sure to look for the California label to make sure you’re getting avocados grown close to home)
2 Roma Tomatoes – diced
1/2 White Onion – diced
1/2 Jalapeno – diced
2 Tablespoons Cilantro – chopped
1/2 Lemon & Lime – squeezed
Fresh Cracked Black Pepper and Salt to Taste (I like mine salty)
Directions:
Peel the avocados and place all of the fresh ingredients into a bowl. Do not “mash” your ingredients, rather use a fork to “chop” the ingredients instead. This will create the perfect chunky texture that is perfect for dipping. Season with pepper and salt.
Enjoy!
California avocados being harvested!
How To Store
The only bummer about avocados is that they have a tendency to turn brown when cut open. Thanks to the wonderful folks of Vons and the California Avocado Commission I learned a few tricks to share with you. To save guacamole, simple press plastic wrap down on top of the guacamole and store in the refrigerator. To save a partial California avocado listen to this – store the partial avocado in a bowl of water in the refrigerator. It’ll keep without spoiling or browning to enjoy the next day. I’ve tried it and it works!
California Avocados are in season now until late July! Log on to Vons to find a store near you and the California Avocado Commission to learn more.
