Avocados grow locally in Goa, though they are not a major commercial crop. The state’s tropical climate, with its warm temperatures, humidity, and adequate rainfall, provides suitable conditions for avocado cultivation. Small-scale farmers and home gardeners in Goa have been known to grow avocados, often as part of mixed orchards or alongside crops like mangoes and coconuts.
Among locals, avocados are not traditionally a staple or widely popular fruit compared to mangoes, bananas, or jackfruit, which dominate Goan cuisine and culture. However, their popularity is gradually increasing, particularly in urban areas and among health-conscious individuals, tourists, and the expatriate community. The fruit’s nutritional benefits—rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals—are driving interest, especially in urban areas, where cafes and restaurants cater to diverse tastes. Still, for many rural locals, avocados remain less familiar or accessible, limiting their widespread adoption in everyday diets.
Chef Savio Fernandes from Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa, Sinquerim firmly believes that avocados can be a nutritious part of any meal. You can use them as an ingredient in smoothies or scrambled eggs or as a substitute for other foods like mayo or sour cream. Chef Shares the following easy-to-go recipes that make avocados the go-to ingredient for an incredible twist to your meals.
The simplest way to enjoy avocados is by sprinkling them with a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also try other seasonings like paprika, cayenne pepper, balsamic vinegar, or lemon. If you’re looking for more nutritious morning meals, try incorporating avocados into your breakfast.
One way to do this is to fill half an avocado with one egg and bake for 15–20 at 425℉ (220℃) until the egg white has fully set. You can also top the avocado with crumbled, cooked bacon and season it with fresh herbs and spices like parsley, cayenne pepper, salt, and regular pepper.
Furthermore, you can replace the eggs with other ingredients, such as canned tuna, chicken, vegetables, and fruits.
In scrambled eggs
If you want to twist a regular morning dish, incorporate some avocado into your scrambled eggs.
Simply add diced avocado to your eggs while they’re cooking in a pan. Make sure to do this when the eggs are halfway cooked to avoid burning the avocado and continue cooking them until the avocado is warm. If you prefer cooler avocado, add it after the eggs are cooked and off the stove.
Finish the dish by topping it with some shredded cheese and season it with salt and pepper to taste.
On toast
It’s possible to substitute regular spreads like butter or margarine with avocados for vegan diners. Using puréed avocado as a spread on toast and sandwiches also adds extra vitamins and minerals to your meal.
In guacamole
Guacamole might be among the most famous Mexican dishes. You can make it using only avocados, herbs, and seasonings, or combine it with other great ingredients like corn, pineapple, broccoli or quinoa.
As a substitute for mayo
Avocados can be an ideal substitute in dishes that use mayonnaise as a binder ingredient. For example, you can use avocados to make tuna, chicken, or egg salads.
As a substitute for sour cream
Avocados can be perfect for dishes that are usually made with sour cream like baked potatoes topped with mashed avocados as a dairy-free option.
Pickled
Avocado pickles are delicious and can be used in any dish in which you would typically use avocados, such as salads and sandwiches. The pickling solution can be flavoured with different ingredients like garlic, fresh herbs, mustard seeds, peppercorns, or chillies.
As an ice cream
Avocado ice cream can be a healthier and more nutritious option than regular ice cream. It can be made by combining avocado, lime juice, milk, cream and sugar. For a lighter option, you can substitute milk and cream for almond or coconut milk and sugar or honey. Worth trying are avocado ice pops are a delicious and refreshing way to keep you cool on hot days.
Avocado has not captured the imagination of the average Goan due to the availability of a wide variety of fruit crops in Goa which are more palatable, avocado being an acquired taste.
