The meaning of Avocado is WHAT?

Although it was only discovered in the 15th century, archaeologists date the origin of the avocado back to 5000 BC and believe the fruit was cultivated and eaten by the Mesoamericans.

In fact, the months on the Maya civil calendar (dating back to 800 BC) are based on seasonal and agricultural events, which features the avocado as the glyph for the 14th month.

Once the “New World” was discovered by Spain, it was in 1519 that Martin Fernandez De Encisco wrote that he had discovered a fruit which “looks like an orange” but turns “yellowish when it is ready to be eaten.” He goes on to explain the “marvelous flavor” of the insides of the fruit, which tastes “like butter” and is “so good and pleasing to the palate.”

Spanish conquistadores loved the fruit but could not pronounce it (ahuácatl). They changed the Aztec word to a more manageable aguacate, which eventually became avocado in English. Funny enough, the original Aztec word means ‘testicle.’

Today, there are 400 varieties of avocado found all over the world. With a high fiber content, rich in potassium (more so than bananas) and high in vitamin E, the avocado is considered one of the most nutritious fruits. More so, the oil possess anti-aging benefits for the skin.

What’s not to love about the avocado?

Jocotes

There are some Guatemalan fruits that are impossible to translate into English; jocote is one of them.

Jocotes are a member of the cashew family. The fruit tree is indigenous to Central America and grows wild throughout Guatemala. They are green and red fruit the size of a very small egg. Although small, jocotes pack a punch and are flavorfully addicting.

Jocotes are a fruit that can be enjoyed at any stage during the ripening process. When the skin is yellow/red the jocote will be sweet and ripe, tasting of citrus and mango. You can also enjoy a jocote with a green skin signaling that it is not fully ripened. The green jocotes are mouth puckeringly tart and most Guatemalans will add a dash of salt in an attempt to balance the acidity and tart flavors.

The skin is the thickness of a plum skin but it is very tender, making it easy and pleasant to chew. There is a seed inside, so be mindful as your teeth tear through it. Jocotes can be enjoyed fresh or in dish like Jocotes en Miel which consists of the fresh fruit soaked in a spiced syrup.