Avocados are often described as the perfect food, packed full of nutrition and healthy fats. They are loaded with omega 3 fatty acids, an array of phytonutrients, pantothenic acid, dietary fiber, vitamin K, copper, folate, vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin E, and vitamin C.
Though high in fat, the fat grams are health-promoting monounsaturated fats, especially oleic acid. Avocados have been consumed since ancient times. Known as ‘ahuacatl’ by the Aztecs, they are indigenous of Latin America.
For the last hundred years, they’ve been grown in Southern Europe, too. Naturally flavorful, they are most often consumed either raw on their own or in a dish, or as guacamole – mixed with spices and other vegetables. They make a perfect addition to anyone’s diet – particularly if you are vegetarian or vegan.
Alongside a steep price tag, organic or conventional avocados can be found in most grocery stores. The pear shaped, alligator skinned fruit is a staple in most homes but most consumers don’t know that growing them in the comfort of your own home is possible! The seed of any avocado can be made to germinate and grow into a productive plant.
There are two traditional ways of growing avocados at home. Both require a good deal of attention to guarantee a permanent water supply for the bottom, flat end of the seed. If the seed is left dry at any time, germination could cease permanently. The first method involves placing the seed in a biodegradable pot in a bright, warm place. You must put the pointy end up to face the sun (without being exposed to permanent direct sunlight) and allow the flat end to stay wet at all times. Small roots will begin to show after one or two months.
The second, more sophisticated alternative is the ‘toothpick method’. Insert three or four toothpicks into the outer layer of the seed. When you place the seed into a glass of water, the toothpicks sit on top of the glass rim and prevent it from sinking. This allows the bottom of the seed to remain wet and the pointed end can receive enough sunlight. Germination will take between one and two months.
An even easier, more effective method to grow avocados at home was born in “AvoSeedo”, a project funded by Kickstarter which makes at home growing a cinch. The elaborate tool was developed to solve the problem of potential lack of water with the traditional methods.
AvoSeedo is a small plastic bowl with an indented hole in the center. A single avocado seed can be inserted with the flat end facing down. The tool, with the seed in place, can be placed in a large water filled pot. Its low weight and high displacement allows it to remain at the surface at all times.
Even as the water level lowers, it will ensure a constant flow of water to allow for germination. It also allows the developing roots to grow and expand freely in the large pot of water. A much simpler and less time consuming way to grow avocados!
source: Expanded Consciousness