Perth’s Araluen Botanic Park has a fine history of bedding in new festival phenomena. Back in the early naughties I remember working at the state’s first ever Chilli Festival. Organisers had cottoned on to Perth’s growing love of all things spicy, tapping into the zeitgeist and growing the event to what is now one of the year’s most flocked-to food festivals.
Its little wonder then, that equally big things are expected for the latest food trend to be “festival-ised” by Araluen – the Avocado. Yes my friends, you can soon celebrate all things Avo at a two day Avocado Festival in the Perth Hills, November 24 and 25. Or, as I’ve been calling it Avo-palooza.
So, what is it that has lead to so many developing such deep affection for avocado? You can’t tell me you haven’t noticed people posting things like this to Instagram:
Or how about that time the inflated cost of an avocado when mashed and served on toast was blamed for an entire generation’s failure to enter the housing market?
Even the gardening segment on my weekend radio show – once littered with callers lamenting a lack of lemons on their trees – is now abundant with gardeners seeking advice on avocado advancement. (Alliteration is my jam.. sorry about that.)
SMASHED AVO: In 2017, an Australian economist blamed the cost of eating avocado on toast in cafes for millennials not saving enough money to buy a house.
I asked Integrative Naturopath, Grace Hawkins from Preventaive Health Solutions why the creamy fruit is enjoying such popularity these days.
“I think its because avocado is such a versatile food that can be used in all types of meals from savory to sweet. They’re filling, satisfying, gluten and dairy free, vegan and vegetarian friendly. Plus they’re delicious!”.
And, says Grace, avocado is good for you too. “For a relatively small fruit avocado contains a high level of nutrients, including over 20 different vitamins and minerals."
Grace tells me adding avo’ to your diet will boost your body with Potassium, Vitamin K, folate, Vitamin C, B5, B6 and Vitamin E. As well as small amounts of magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, zinc, phosphorus, Vitamin A, B1, B2, and B3.
They’re also a good choice for the one in six Australians living with cardio vascular disease. “Avocados are an awesome source of monounsaturated oleic acid, a fatty acid that's excellent for heart health”.
HOW DO YOU AVO? Araluen’s Avocado Festival will include stallholders selling fresh produce, a vast range of products from skin and beauty care to delicious beers and cocktails and chefs demonstrating how to make Avocado creations at home.
The benefits aren’t limited to the inside of your body either. Simone Lee, from WA salon of the year, Tyler Reid Hair says the rich fatty amino acids contained in avocado are a like a magic pill for those wanting longer, stronger hair.
“When used as a hair mask, avocado coats the hair shaft, helping it to retain moisture. Vitamins A, B6, D and E along with minerals like copper and iron help nourish the hair and scalp, promoting healthy growth”.
Is there anything this fruit can’t do?
Personally, I couldn’t be more excited for Avocado Festival. That oval shaped bad boy is without doubt my “green-thing” of choice and I can’t wait to see what people have been using it for lately.
To get you equally excited, I’ve shared my all-time favourite Avocado dessert recipe to Instagram and it’s been going gang-busters.
If you plan to head along to Araluen for the Avopalooza, I mean, Festival, let me know. Its one damn fine excuse for a day in the beautiful Perth Hills Armadale region.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Avocado Festival
When: Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th November 2018
Where: Araluen Botanic Park, Roleystone, WA.
Tickets: Adults $20, Children Under 18 are FREE. Purchase tickets at the door.