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The '''avocado''' is a pear-shaped, edible [[fruit]] that grows on a tree. It has a greenish black leathery outer skin, a soft light-green inner fruit, and a single large seed called a pit in America or a stone in Britain. The outer layer is easily peeled from the fruit and in most varieties turns from a green color to greenish black as it ripens.

The '''avocado''' is a pear-shaped, edible [[fruit]] that grows on a tree. It has a greenish black leathery outer skin, a soft light-green inner fruit, and a single large seed called a pit in America or a stone in Britain. The outer layer is easily peeled from the fruit and in most varieties turns from a green color to greenish black as it ripens.

The tropical American avocado tree (''Persea americana'') originated in [[Mexico]], sometime between 7,000 and 5,000 B.C. Cultivation of wild avocados began around 750 B.C. <ref> http://www.avocado.org/ </ref>

The tropical American avocado tree (''Persea americana'') originated in [[Mexico]], sometime between 7,000 and 5,000 B.C. Cultivation of wild avocados began around 750 B.C.<ref>http://www.avocado.org/</ref>

There are many varieties of avocado, some of the most popular are the: Hass, Fuerte, Bacon, Gwen, Lamb Hass, Pinkerton, Reed, and Zutano. All are similar in size, appearance and taste.  

There are many varieties of avocado, some of the most popular are the: Hass, Fuerte, Bacon, Gwen, Lamb Hass, Pinkerton, Reed, and Zutano. All are similar in size, appearance and taste.  

Avocados have a mild taste and can be eaten raw, or cooked in other foods. "[[Guacamole]]" is a popular dip that is made from avocado. <ref> http://www.thefruitpages.com/chartavocado.shtml </ref>  

Avocados have a mild taste and can be eaten raw, or cooked in other foods. "[[Guacamole]]" is a popular dip that is made from avocado.<ref>http://www.thefruitpages.com/chartavocado.shtml</ref>  

== Nutritional Qualities ==

== Nutritional Qualities ==

The avocado is rich in [[Vitamin]]s A and C, B vitamins, [[glutamine]] and [[potassium]], and has low [[sodium]] and no [[cholesterol]]. A medium avocado contains on average about 180 [[calorie|calories]], 4 grams of [[protein]], 10 grams of fiber, and about 5 grams of fat. <ref> http://www.obesidad.net/english2002/meals4.shtml </ref> <ref>  

The avocado is rich in [[Vitamin]]s A and C, B vitamins, [[glutamine]] and [[potassium]], and has low [[sodium]] and no [[cholesterol]]. A medium avocado contains on average about 180 [[calorie]]s, 4 grams of [[protein]], 10 grams of fiber, and about 5 grams of fat.<ref>http://www.obesidad.net/english2002/meals4.shtml</ref><ref>

http://www.healthalternatives2000.com/fruit-nutrition-chart.html#Avocado </ref>

http://www.healthalternatives2000.com/fruit-nutrition-chart.html#Avocado</ref>

Avocados are sometimes called alligator pears because of their shape and the color of their skin.  

Avocados are sometimes called alligator pears because of their shape and the color of their skin.  

== Agriculture ==

== Agriculture ==

Avocados are commonly grown throughout [[Mexico]] and [[South America]]. In the United States, [[California]] is the leading avocado producer in the nation. An avocado tree will normally bear fruit after two or three years, and a mature tree will produce on average around 60 pounds (about 150 pieces) of fruit each year. <ref> http://www.avocado.org/ </ref> <ref> http://www.healthrecipes.com/avocado_information.htm </ref>

Avocados are commonly grown throughout [[Mexico]] and [[South America]]. In the United States, [[California]] is the leading avocado producer in the nation. An avocado tree will normally bear fruit after two or three years, and a mature tree will produce on average around 60 pounds (about 150 pieces) of fruit each year.<ref>http://www.avocado.org/</ref><ref>http://www.healthrecipes.com/avocado_information.htm</ref>

==References==

==References==