Avocado pit – what to do with it and can you eat it?

Recently, the healthy and nutritious avocado has become a frequent guest on the tables of our compatriots. Dark green, with shiny skin and tender flesh, it adds variety to the daily diet and enriches the body with many beneficial substances. Until recently, the only disappointment was the pit inside the avocado, as many people didn't know what to do with it. In fact, the large teardrop-shaped seed, which takes up to half the fruit's volume, is unfairly overlooked. It is no less beneficial than the flesh and has numerous beneficial properties.

Is the avocado seed edible and what are its health benefits?

Whether the avocado seed is edible is a controversial issue. Analysis of its chemical composition suggests that it is quite beneficial. It is rich in fiber and soluble dietary fiber, vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. In terms of potassium content, the avocado core is twice as rich as bananas. It also contains saponins, which are responsible for cholesterol metabolism and elimination. And in terms of amino acid content, the avocado seed significantly outperforms the flesh.

The vitamin composition is also diverse. The product is particularly rich in B vitamins, beta-carotene, and vitamins C and K.

In addition, avocado seeds contain antioxidants—one kernel contains up to 70 percent of the daily value for a person—and flavonols, a powerful weapon in the fight against cancer cells.

All of the listed components bring undoubted benefits to the body and are used:

1. In the fight against cardiovascular diseases – they reduce cholesterol levels and prevent the development of coronary heart disease.
2. In weight loss – the bone contains substances that can break down fat cells.
3. In preserving youth and beauty.
4. For the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, diarrhea.
5. In the fight against cancer.

   

6. As a powerful antibacterial and antifungal agent.
7. To improve performance and reduce fatigue.
8. To combat skin diseases – boils and acne.
9. In the regulation of the thyroid gland.
10. In the fight against asthma and prevents its development.
11. To relieve joint pain in arthritis.
12. To increase libido and improve mood.

To combat many diseases, avocado seeds are not only used externally, but also taken internally.

How to eat an avocado pit?

Before consumption, the seed must undergo mandatory preparation before it can be eaten. This can be done in several ways.

1. The fresh bone must be placed in a bag, beaten with a heavy object, and the resulting pieces must be ground in a blender.
2. Remove the brown skin from the seed with a sharp knife and cut into small pieces or thin slices.
3. After peeling, grate.

The product is now ready for further use.

In its pure form

In its natural form, ground avocado kernels are used in the cuisines of Morocco, Mexico, and Japan. They are added to salads and entrees, sauces, and desserts. In small quantities, fresh avocado kernel powder is harmless.

Preparing the seasoning

The seed seasoning is a powder obtained by grinding the seed fresh or by cooking it. The dried and ground kernel is ground into a powder using a coffee grinder, making it a ready-to-use food additive. It can be used in a variety of dishes.

Salads and soups with ready-made dressing are a great solution for both festive and everyday menus. This ready-made dressing is primarily added to vegetable mixes, and when combined with fruit pulp, the flavor will be especially unique. For example, you can cut any vegetables and avocado into large slices and add the prepared powder to taste. This dish goes well with meat, fish, or eggs.

Soups, especially those with a mild flavor, will take on a new dimension with the addition of the prepared powder. Since avocado kernels are bitter, the powder will add a touch of piquancy and spice to the dish.

Baking

For roasting, either the whole kernel or sliced ​​kernels can be used. The whole kernel is roasted for a long time – approximately two hours. The temperature should be kept low. Afterwards, the roasted kernels must be peeled and ground to a powder.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFD342TqTnw

Baking in slices doesn't take as long. The prepared kernel is sliced ​​and placed in a low-temperature oven. A golden crust covering the kernel pieces will indicate that the product is ready. Allow the kernel pieces to dry and then grind them in a coffee grinder. The resulting powder can be used as a stand-alone seasoning or as needed.

Roasting

Roast the kernel slices or the resulting puree over low heat until they turn reddish-brown. Allow the product to cool and then prepare a powder.

Decoction

Once the powder is obtained from the roasted or baked fruit kernel, a decoction can be made. To do this, add a teaspoon of the product to 300 ml of water and boil for 15 minutes. After cooling, strain and consume in small portions throughout the day.

This remedy, thanks to the tannin it contains, is excellent for stomach upsets and diarrhea. Furthermore, the decoction can normalize metabolism and have a general tonic effect on the body.

Tincture

Tinctures from avocado powder are prepared using oil, alcohol, or water. To make an alcohol tincture, the powder is steeped in a small amount of high-quality vodka or alcohol and left to steep for a week. This remedy is not taken internally; it is used externally only. It is especially effective for migraines. Adding camphor to the prepared tincture can help get rid of heel spurs.

An oil infusion is prepared using castor oil and is used in cosmetology. A wine tincture requires 4 tablespoons of crushed castor oil and 500 ml of white wine. Mix the ingredients and let steep for a week. This preparation is taken orally, two tablespoons twice daily.

The water infusion is prepared as follows: a teaspoon of powder is poured into a glass of lukewarm water and drunk in the morning before meals.

Regardless of how the infusion is prepared, it is important to use it as directed and not to exceed the dosage.

Contraindications and harm of avocado seeds

Despite its many beneficial properties, the prepared powder has contraindications. It can also be harmful to the body for several reasons:

1. The fungicidal toxin and tannin present in the seed, when consumed in large quantities, can cause serious digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea and food poisoning.
2. Allergic reactions to the product are a serious contraindication. This includes the fruit itself. Symptoms of intolerance include skin rashes and itching.

   

3. Consuming avocado kernels by a nursing mother may cause diarrhea or poisoning in the baby.
4. The restriction for children under 3 years of age applies not only to the seed, but also to the fruit itself.

What else can you do with a bone?

The healing properties of the seed have long been known around the world. Many recipes have survived to this day that can still be made. Avocado cores are used as a beauty product and as a healing remedy.

Application in cosmetology

The fruit oil is a common ingredient in many cosmetic products. It is used for facial, body, and hair care.

As a source of collagen, avocado kernel powder has also found application in industrial cosmetology. It is an essential component of creams for mature and aging skin.

There are numerous examples of avocado seed use in home cosmetology – in masks, scrubs, and hair health products:

1. To exfoliate dead skin, use a scrub made from coffee powder and ground coffee beans. The ingredients are mixed with sea salt, and the resulting mixture is massaged into the skin. After rinsing, the skin will feel soft and acquire a light golden hue.
2. A mask made of powder and cosmetic clay has proven effective. Mix the ingredients, dilute with water until it reaches the consistency of thick sour cream, and apply to the face. Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water. Then apply a moisturizer. This treatment not only nourishes the skin but also cleanses it.

   

3. Acne and pimples can be treated using crushed tea tree seeds, water, and tea tree oil. Mix the ingredients until they form a paste and apply directly to the affected area. Leave on for 5 minutes and then rinse.
4. To get rid of cellulite, combine freshly crushed pits with almond or flaxseed oil and apply to problem areas. The appearance of "orange peel" skin will be noticeably reduced within a month.
5. Smooth and shiny hair will become a reality if you use crushed raw burdock kernels and burdock oil. After mixing the ingredients, let them steep for 24 hours, then apply to the scalp. Wrapping your head with a towel or film is recommended for an additional warming effect. Leave the mixture on for an hour and rinse with water.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01R8xU5BF38

Use in folk medicine

Traditional medicine recipes allow the use of decoctions and infusions from avocado cores for many ailments:

1. An alcohol infusion of the fruit kernel helps with headaches and migraines. It is rubbed onto inflamed joints to relieve pain. An alcohol infusion also combats heel spurs.
2. Pigment spots will be noticeably reduced if you mix the ground kernel with castor oil, and adding tea tree oil can help eliminate skin inflammation.

   

3. The decoction, thanks to the presence of tannins, copes well with digestive disorders, eliminating diarrhea.
4. Avocado seed extract is widely used to combat fungal infections, including candidiasis. Regular consumption of small amounts of a decoction or tea made with the fruit kernel produces a general strengthening effect, suppressing pathogenic viruses and bacteria.

Making crafts

Creative people find their own uses for seeds. Their large size, smooth texture, and rounded shape offer ample scope for creativity and allow for a variety of uses.

Those who are skilled in the art can delight their loved ones with small figurines or faces carved from the core.

The founder of this type of creativity is considered to be Jen Campbell, who created the collection “Stone Faces from Avocados”.

By collecting a few bones, you can make unusual Christmas tree ornaments. Wrap them in foil or bright paper, attach a loop, and delight children in the run-up to the New Year.

Handmade jewelry lovers find use for avocado cores in creating beautiful pendants, charms, and keychains. These pieces are both unique and one-of-a-kind.

Instead of traditional wood, avocado kernels are used to make hot pads. They are long-lasting and have a unique appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The seemingly useless core holds so much intrigue, and it can be used in so many ways. Cooking, medicine, cosmetology, creativity—everyone can find the most suitable option.