We know that avocado makes great guacamole, that slices take a bacon sandwich to heavenly levels and that avocado chunks boost any ol' green salad. But did you also know these fun facts? • Avocado is a fruit, not a vegetable. • Because of it's lumpy green skin, it's also known as an a lligator  pear. Perhaps if I call it this at home my wee guy will be more inclined to enjoy it! • An average-sized avocado packs a protein punch, each containing about 4 g. • Avocados begin to ripen only once they're picked. The fruit can stay on a tree for up to 18 months without ripening. • Speed up the ripening by placing too firm avocados in a paper bag with bananas or apples. They emit a (harmless) gas that speeds up the process. (This trick works for green bananas too, put them in a bag with apples to ripen them quick, quick, quick.) • The flesh of avocados is extremely sensitive and bruises easily. So, next time you're searching for the ideal avocado, instead of poking your finger into it, cup the avocado in your hands and give it a gentle squeeze. A perfectly ripe avocado will give ever so slightly with the squeeze. Looking for a great way to use avocados? Check out this amazing recipe. Avocados act as a 'bed' for baked eggs. And if you've never tasted a baked avocado before, you're in for a treat...the silky, smooth texture will blow you away! Click here to learn how to pit an avocado with ease. And check out this blog for a great tip on peeling an avocado.