Guacamole
Guacamole is an avocado-based dip which originated in Mexico.[1] It is traditionally made by mashing ripe avocados with a molcajete (mortar and pestle) with lime juice and salt. Some recipes call for tomatoes, coriander, garlic and seasonings.
History
Guacamole was made by the Aztecs as early as the 1500s.[1] After the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, guacamole became popular in Spain.
The name comes from an Aztec dialect via Nahuatl āhuacamolli, from āhuacatl (="avocado") + molli (="sauce").[1] In Spanish, it is pronounced [ɡwakaˈmole], in American English /ˌɡwɑːkəˈmoʊliː/, and in British English sometimes /ˌɡwækəˈmoʊliː/.
In the United States, "National Guacamole Day" is September 16, although some sources offer November 14 as the date.[2] The Hass Avocado Board identifies November 14 as "National Spicy Guacamole Day".[3]
Guasacaca
Thinner and more acidic[4], this is a Venezuelan sauce based on avocado but made with vinegar[5], and is used over parrillas (grilled food), arepas, empanadas and any other dish. It is common to make the guasacaca with red chili peppers instead of tomato and jalapeño, as a hot sauce is frequently offered in a different container.
Commercial guacamole
Prepared and fresh guacamoles are available in stores, often available refrigerated. The non-fresh guacamole that is most like fresh is preserved by freezing or sometimes high pressure packaging.[6] Other non-fresh preparations need higher levels of fillers and artificial preservatives to be shelf stable.
Kraft Foods received consumer complaints and a lawsuit filed against it regarding its commercial guacamole.[7] The main issue was that Kraft's guacamole contained less than 2% avocado and was filled with hydrogenated oils and artificial colors to try to approximate the consistency and color of avocados, whereas typical recipes might have a minimum of 25% avocado.
References
- ^ a b c Zeldes, Leah A. (November 4, 2009). "Eat this! Guacamole, a singing sauce, on its day". Dining Chicago. Chicago's Restaurant & Entertainment Guide, Inc. Retrieved November 5, 2009.
- ^ Black, Rosemary (September 16, 2009). "Classic Guacamole". New York Daily News. Retrieved April 18, 2010.
- ^ "National Guacamole Day". Irvine, CA: Hass Avocado Board. 2010. Retrieved April 18, 2010.
- ^ "Caracas Calling". New York Press. Manhattan Media. July 13, 2004. Retrieved March 4, 2010.
- ^ Serpa, Diego (1968). "Avocado Culture in Venezuela" (PDF). California Avocado Society 1968 Yearbook. 52: 153–168. ISSN 0096-5960. Retrieved March 4, 2010.
- ^ Steve Connor (February 5, 2000), Eureka! Scientists discover how to keep guacamole green, The Independent
- ^ "California Woman Files Lawsuit Claiming Kraft's Guacamole Dip Doesn't Contain Enough Avocado" on Fox News