7 things you can do with avocados

One of the most tactile fruit on the planet, avocado is a staple in our home. And in the depths of winter, after the holiday indulgences, good plant fats like avocados, coconut oil, and cold pressed oils gently drizzled over soups and stews can make a big difference to moods challenged by the end of Christmas cheer and winter blues (SAD or seasonal affective disorder is a deep dark hole for some of us in the winter months).

I could go on and on about how mouthwateringly deliciously creamy ripe avocado flesh can be or how it enhances every meal. I can also nerd on you about how the shape of the avocado resembles the female womb and how its nutrients can support healthy female hormonal function, but to be honest, it's not we're here for today. I'll leave the female hormones for another day. What we're doing here is some quick, easy, tasty and lazy ideas with avocado, so here goes:

Just cut it in half and eat it alongside a scrambled or poached egg with a drizzle of garlic and chilli oil and a sprinkle of grey salt, for breakfast or lunch. You can go one better and sprinkle a pinch of za'atar or simply sesame seeds for an extra helping of calcium
Mash it, mix it with lemon juice, salt, pepper, a crushed garlic clove, some fresh mashed tomato, virgin olive oil, a pinch of chilli flakes and a pinch of oregano, thyme and turmeric for a quick, no frills guacamole to spread on spelt crackers for a fast pick-me-up
Mash it with some organic sunflower oil - tastes like chocolate, honest!
Go all old-fashioned and fill each half of a ripe avocado with home made Marie-Rose sauce and cooked peeled prawns - YUM!
Cut a ripe avocado up into small cubes, mix it in with grapes, blueberries, bananas, orange and grapefruit cubes, drizzle some lemon juice and cinnamon over the lot, toss and eat - repeat!
Mash a whole ripe avocado and mix well with a raw egg yolk until smooth. Apply to face and hair. Frighten the postman by answering the door in that getup. Leave for 15 minutes. Let your dog lick it off at will. Alternatively rinse with tepid water and enjoy gorgeously soft skin and silky hair.
Grow an avocado tree from the stone. Takes time and effort but it is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. And it looks very pretty to boot.