Avocado is NOT a veggie!

For some reason, we always think of avocado as a vegetable. Why, we aren't sure. It is a fruit, and a delicious, creamy one at that.

How to buy: Avocados like to be different. They only ripen after they are picked. Chances are good that you will never find a ripe avocado in the store that hasn't been bruised.

The best thing to do is to buy firm, unblemished ones a few days before you need them. You want to find green, glossy fruit that will darken over time (some varieties turn black). When ripe, they will have a slight "give" to them, without feeling soft and mushy.

How to store: They take around 4 to 7 days to ripen at room temperature. Let them hang out on the countertop and feel like a part of the family for a few days before you eat them. If you put them in a paper bag first, they'll ripen even faster (still at room temperature). If they ripen before you are ready for them, go ahead at put them in the fridge. They'll last a few more days when kept dark and cool.

Other stuff you can do with it:

• The flesh of a ripe avocado soothes sunburned skin. Just cut the fruit in half and rub it gently over the burn.
• Mush the flesh up to make a paste that can be applied to rashes and rough skin to make it smoother
• Add it to a fruit smoothie (you read that right)
• And a final tidbit for you: It has traditionally been used to help people with sexual problems. Bet you won't find that on Dr. Phil! Then again...

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