An Unusual Avocado - You Can Eat The Skin

If you have only seen a typical avocado, you may not realize that these little, black, "plum like" fruits shown here are avocados too. These are a variety called a Mexicola. There is a related variety called a Mexicola Grande. And most amazing, they have an edible skin! Yes, when ripe, you can bite right into them like a plum and eat the skin and golden-green flesh inside. 

The Mexicola also has edible leaves. (NOTE: Most avocado leaves are somewhat toxic, so do NOT eat regular (e.g. - Hass) leaves.) Mexicola leaves are used in many cultures to make a tea that is reputed to be good for your digestive system.

The Avocado Diva's Philipino friends have told her that the tea is often used to help with upset stomaches and/or to clean out their kidneys and livers (after a holiday of eating too much or drinking to much). 

Dried Mexicola leaves are used in some Mexican cooking as a flavoring. Much like a bay leaf, they can be used whole or in large pieces to stew tough meats or add flavoring to a boiling pot of beans. They add an unusal flavor, kind of like anise, that mixes well with peppers and garlic. If you like to experiment - try some! (Again - they MUST be from the laurel - related Mexicola tree, or else they may be toxic). Mexicola trees are related to the Bay Laurel (where bay leaves come from). 

If you'd like to order Avocado Leaves or find recipes (for Avocado Tea, Iced Tea, beans with Avo Leaves and more) - please check out my website at www.AvocadoDiva.com.