Avocados are a very healthy alternative to rich fatty foods as they have a high mono and polyunsaturated fat content (type of fats usually found in vegetables which helps reduce cholesterol) with around 30 grams of fat in each fruit.

Avocados contain over 20 vitamins and minerals and are full of phytonutrients which help prevent chronic diseases. Avocados help the body gain lutein which helps with good eye-sight.

Avocados are very good for pregnant women because they are high in folic acid (type of vitamin B) which is good for the development of the baby's brain.

Avocados can grow up to 24 metres tall. Avocados will not soften on a tree and can be left on the tree for up to 2 months until needed. One avocado tree can produce up to 118kg of oxygen each year.

Avocados grow best in South Africa in 20C and although they will grow in the shade, they will only produce fruit in full sunlight. South Africa has around 2 million trees which are mostly grown in Mpumalanga with approximately 55% of South Africa's avocados being exported to Europe.

Avocados used to be considered an aphrodisiac. They are sometimes called "Alligator Pears"; because of their colour and skin texture.

Avocados can be placed in brown paper bags to ripen - adding a banana or an apple to the bag will speed up the ripening process as they give off ethylene gas which is a ripening agent.

Avocados can be made into ice-cream or pureed with milk and sugar to make a drink. To stop avocados from turning brown when exposed to air - simply add some lemon juice to the pulp or replace the pip in the salad or dip.