Avocado is a much-loved food among people everywhere and so National Guacamole Day is widely celebrated on September 16th each year. Verde Kitchen & Cocktails is delighted to acknowledge this textured, full-bodied dip that stems from the infamous avocado on this date.

A native of Mexico and South America, the avocado has been in existence for thousands of years and may have been first named the alligator pear. This fruit provides a great source of vitamin K and vitamin B. Utilized to prepare guacamole, the avocado-turned-creamy mixture remains a huge staple of Aztec dishes that can be traced as far back as the 16th century or even earlier. Traditional guacamole is made by crushing avocados in a mortar and pestle and mixing in chopped onions, tomatoes, garlic, lemon juice, and cumin.

During the Spanish Conquest, Spaniards were introduced to guacamole and were drawn to its flavor and consistency. Back in Spain, they started to develop their own genre of guacamole since they were quite impressed with this incredible fruit. Unfortunately, avocados could not be cultivated too well in Spain, so guacamole continued to thrive as a popular staple in Mexico.

Guacamole was relatively unknown in America up until the 1900s. There was an 83-year ban in the United States on avocados imported from Mexico until the year 1997. This prohibition was first put into place because of fruit flies and other insects. American agriculturists grew avocados during the ban, so their new accessibility combined with the Latin American impact that shaped the popularity of this tasty treat, allowed guacamole to rise in the ranks to become a sought-after edible.

Typical guacamole (nicknamed guac) in the United States consists of tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, lime juice, and a few seasonings that get blended into the mashed avocado. There is no right or wrong way for a guacamole formula, as it is a versatile dip that invites individual preferences in its creation. This delicious and healthy dressing can be added to endless dishes for a burst of color and flavor. It can also be enjoyed by dipping veggies into the guacamole or scooping it up with tortilla chips.

Verde Kitchen & Cocktails can’t wait to honor National Guacamole Day on September 16th by spotlighting scrumptious dishes prepared with avocado. We specialize in authentic Mexico City and Oaxacan-inspired cuisine and carry an appealing variety of adult beverages to pair with meals. Verde Kitchen & Cocktails is situated at 70 East Main Street in Bay Shore, NY, and our phone number is (631) 665-6300. Please join us on September 16th to recognize National Guacamole Day because the more, the merrier!