The Past Is Toast, It’s Bagels & Avocados That Are On a Roll
Whether perfectly ripe or slightly firm, we’ll always find a way to add an avo to meals. Green-skinned and dark-skinned avocados are available in South Africa almost all year round; whichever you choose, they’re both delicious and nutrient-dense. From breakfast tartines and sushi bagels with smashed avocado, this creamy fruit is exceptionally versatile!
Put a fresh spin on your bagels by adding an avo.
It’s Avo Season!
Remember, green-skinned avos remain green when ripe, while dark-skinned avos turn purple-black when ready to eat – as tempting as it is, please don’t squeeze ‘em! Instead, check the stem; if slightly loose, that means they’re probably ripe and ready.
If you can’t resist the urge to pick one up, gently apply pressure to the avo using the palm of your hand; avoid pressing the skin with your fingertips as this might bruise the fruit – yes, we’re talking to you in the fresh produce section!
Even though avocados come in different colours, shapes and sizes, they all boast incredible nutrients and healthy fats, making them one of the best ingredients to add to everyday meals and healthy snacks.
Always Add an Avo
Avocados are one of the most versatile fruits around. It’s not hard to see why – whether mashed, diced, sliced or puréed, avocados taste great in most dishes.


Guacamole is arguably one of the most popular ways to enjoy this gorgeous, green fruit, but they’re equally delicious in salad dressings, sandwiches, smoothie bowls, party appetisers, waffles, and wraps. Believe it or not, you can even incorporate this creamy fruit into treats like ice cream and chocolate mousse.
Avocados are one of the most versatile fruits around.
With little to no effort needed, they’re convenient and easy to prep – no matter what dish you’re making. They’re great for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert; enjoy them with a crack of salt and pepper as a quick bite when you’re on the move. It really couldn’t be easier!
If that isn’t reason enough to add an avo to your next meal, avocados are also…
- high in energy
- high in heart-healthy fats
- high in vitamin K
- high in biotin
- cholesterol-free
- sodium-free
- a great source of fibre
Not to mention, the monounsaturated (good) fats found in avocados give a feeling of fullness, which reduces the temptation to binge on less healthy foods. So, whatever you’re planning for your next meal, always add an avo – whether green-skinned or dark-skinned.
If you need an easy and healthy load-shedding meal idea, you’ll love this recipe…
Sushi Bagels with Smashed Avo
Put a fresh spin on your bagels by adding an avo. Wrapped in smoked salmon, avocado and cucumber ribbons, and loaded with wasabi guacamole, this simple yet satisfying sandwich will become your go-to fix!
Serves: 4 | Prep time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
4 bagels
½ cucumber
2 avocados (slightly firm)
120 g smoked trout/salmon ribbons
12 slices pickled ginger
5 ml (1 tsp) wasabi (optional)
a squeeze of lemon juice, to taste
salt and pepper
10 ml (2 tsp) sesame seeds (black and/or white)
Method
Cut each bagel in half, horizontally, and set aside.
Use a vegetable peeler to shave three long cucumber ribbons and three avo strips; set the avos strips aside, and then wrap the cucumber around one portion of the first bagel top.
Trim three trout/salmon ribbons; wrap them around one portion of the bagel top, next to the cucumber. Similarly, wrap the avo strips around the bagel top, next to the trout/salmon.
Add three slices of pickled ginger, and wrap them around the bagel top, next to the avo strips. Repeat with the remaining bagel tops.
In a bowl, mash the remaining avo with the wasabi (if using) and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Use some of the smashed avo to stick the sesame seeds onto the bagel tops, between the ginger and cucumber ribbons.
Spread the smashed avo onto the cut portion of the bottom halves of the bagels and sandwich together with the tops. Enjoy!
Love avocados? Visit the SA Avocado Growers’ Association website below and follow them on social media for more avo-licious recipes.
avocado.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
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