Guacamole
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Guacamole (called guacamol in Central America and Cuba) is an avocado-based relish or dip.
Of Aztec origin, it was originally valued for its high fat and vitamin content. Guacamole was originally made by mashing the avocado with a molcajete (a type of mortar and pestle) and adding tomatoes and salt. After the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, guacamole became popular in Spain. Since avocados failed to grow well in Spain guacamole became an American food.
The name guacamole comes from Mexican Spanish via Nahuatl ahuacamolli, from ahuacatl (="avocado", or literally "testicle" because of its shape) + molli (="sauce"). In Spanish it is pronounced /ɣʷakaˈmole/; in American English it is pronounced /ˌgwɑkəˈmoʊli/ or sometimes in British English /ˌgwækəˈməʊli/.
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[edit] Ingredients
In addition to avocados, the basic ingredients usually include the original ingredients of tomatoes and salt. Lime juice is sometimes added for flavor and to help keep the avocado from browning too soon with air exposure. Variations often include onion, hot chili peppers, garlic, cilantro (coriander), and other spices. Some American versions include sour cream, ground black pepper corns or milk. Adding dairy produce is an American adaptation.
[edit] Preparation and consumption
Guacamole is still prepared using a molcajete to mash the ingredients. Modern methods include mashing the avocado with a fork in a bowl or using a food processor for a smoother consistency. Guacamole is often eaten with tortilla chips, although it can be spooned onto or into almost any savory Mexican dish. In Texas, California and other areas of the southwest United States it is common to make guacamole as a quick party food or to bring it to a potluck luncheon by mashing ripe avocados with a favourite salsa using a fork. This quickly and easily adds the needed acid and salt.
[edit] Commercial guacamole
There are many types of pre-made guacamole available in stores. Fresh guacamole is available and is often available refrigerated. The non-fresh guacamole most like fresh is preserved using either freezing or high pressure. Other non-fresh preparations need higher levels of fillers and artificial preservatives to be shelf stable.
One of the world's largest food companies, Kraft Foods, came under fire with consumer complaints and lawsuits regarding Kraft's commercial guacamole[1]. The main complaint was that Kraft's guacamole contained less than 2 percent avocado and contains hydrogenated oils and artificial colors to make up the consistency and color of real avocados. In response to this consumer health advocate Mike Adams calls it Kraft's "avocado-free guacamole", and said "Avocado should be the main ingredient in guacamole. I recommend that people get avocado dip from places that actually use avocado as the main ingredient".[2]
[edit] Popularity
Though it is native to Mexico, guacamole is popular in the rest of North America as a snack food, especially around holidays and other major celebrations. In South America, it is often served with meat servings generally to give flavor to different meat complements such as potatoes and Arepas.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- California Avocado Commission press release about consumer avocado consumption
- Guacamole site with recipes (from California)
- Guacamole Recipe - from Simply Recipes
- Video tutorial on how to prepare guacamole
- Video recipe of guacamole
- How to Cut and Peel an Avocado
- Guacamole Recipes
- Guacamole Video Recipeca:Guacamole
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