I discovered recently that my belief that guacamole is in fact THE MOST appealing food on the planet has been scientifically substantiated. Did you know that just mentioning guacamole in your profile on dating sites can deliver a 144 percent increase in messaging – the highest for ANY food researchers studied? It rates higher with people than chocolate or cheese. I always suspected it was true. Along with Häagen-Dazs ice cream, it was the thing I planned to eat in excess when I moved away from home.
I actually like avocados many ways – sliced with sea salt, diced in a sweet salad, stuffed in egg rolls (Cheesecake Factory, anyone?), and smashed on my morning toast. So, it isn’t too surprising that when our Colonial Mexico tour included a visit to a small family-owned avocado farm for lunch, I was elated! A whole afternoon devoted to my favorite food? Unbelievable!
Our van climbed up a twisty rural road to a private and tranquil spot overlooking a stretched out valley below. Local church members already had a BBQ fire going where they were roasting thin steak, sausages, prickly pear, and large, sweet green onions. A simple plastic table had been set with all of the ingredients for a memorable feast. At the center of it all was the deserving star – a giant bowl of creamy guacamole! I guess when I more than hinted to our guide that I could eat A LOT of guacamole, he paid attention.
Off the beaten path meeting the owner and cultivator of this productive and well-maintained orchard
Preparing lunch over the grill
Guacamole – Fresh from the orchard
Before eating, we were escorted around the orchard for a stroll. The owner brought along a long tool with a basket on the end to gather ripe specimens and we followed along. The setting was so beautiful, it seemed ideal for paying honor to such a gift from God.
Avocado trees as far as the eye can see!
A tranquil place to spend an afternoon with new friends
Wouldn’t it be nice to have this in the backyard at home?
This day ended like a dream. It was the one occasion that I can recall where I didn’t have to fight for my share of the bowl. There was more than plenty for us all… and an orchard besides.
