Guacamole

Guacamole is an avocado-based dip or salad. It was first created by the Aztecs in what is now Mexico. As well as its use in modern Mexican cuisine, it’s widely eaten throughout the UK, North America and Australia and other countries. Israel, where avocados are widely grown, has its own version called ‘salat avocado’.

Traditionally guacamole – which means avocado sauce – is made by mashing ripe avocados with sea salt in a mortar and pestle. Additional ingredients such as tomato, onion, garlic, chilli, coriander (cilantro) and lime juice are often added.

These days commercially prepared guacamole is easily available from supermarkets thanks to packaging and processes which extend its shelf life.