Grilling Up Healthy Flavor

MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - Apr 18, 2011) - (Family Features) If you're looking to add fresh flavor and good nutrition to your menu, look no further than the humble avocado. In a salad, as a spread or slider topper, or even on the grill (yes, they can be grilled), avocados are packed with healthy goodness.

"A lot of people don't know just how good California avocados are for you," said Ben Holtz, President of California Avocados Direct. "They have nearly 20 essential nutrients -- that's a lot of good nutrition packed into a great tasting fruit."

According to Holtz,

• Avocados have mono and polyunsaturated "good" fats that are recommended as part of a healthy diet; they can help reduce blood cholesterol levels and decrease your risk of heart disease.
• Avocados are rich in beta-sitosterol, which helps lower cholesterol levels. Studies have shown an average drop in cholesterol of 17 percent after consuming avocados for only one week.
• Avocados contain 60 percent more potassium than bananas.

Holtz says that avocados are best when they're as fresh as possible, during peak consumption periods when the fruit moves quickly off the shelves. "This is wonderful for those that live near the growing areas in California, but not so easy for everybody else living across the country. That's why we started California Avocados Direct -- to offer fresh avocados to those who want to buy the best available, and who want to know the farmer that grew them."

Holtz says that they are able to hand pack and ship fresh avocados the very same day they're harvested, letting them share farm-fresh produce with families all across the country. "As a family farm, we live on and care for the land," he said. "This allows us to give daily attention to detail and the ability to deliver the rich, creamy flavor of premium California avocados that our customers have come to expect."

An avocado lends itself to a variety of seasonings and ingredients that mix well with almost all salad and sandwich fillings. The next time you break out the grill for friends and family, try these Haute Grilled Avocados as a deliciously different appetizer or side dish.

For more recipes, tips and ordering information, visit www.californiaavocadosdirect.com.

Haute Grilled Avocados

Preparation: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 9 minutes
Serves: 4

For Grilled Slices:
Cut avocado in half, seed, peel, and slice. Drizzle with fresh lime or lemon juice and brush lightly with olive oil. Gently place slices on grill over hot coals for 2 minutes on each side. Season with salt to taste.

For Grilled Half Shells:
Cut avocado in half and remove seed. Drizzle with fresh lime or lemon juice and brush lightly with olive oil. Gently place cut side down on grill over hot coals for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt to taste. Optional: fill with fresh salsa or your favorite fresh ingredients.

Serving Suggestions:
Makes a great accompaniment to grilled meats or fish.

*Large avocados are recommended for this recipe. A large avocado averages about 8 ounces. If using smaller or larger size avocados adjust the quantity accordingly.