Avocados are packed with heart-healthy fats, such as oleic acid, as well as potassium, vitamins B6 and E, plus they’re low in carbs and sugar. However, like many fruit and veg, where and how they are grown makes a big difference to their footprint. Monoculture, or the largescale production of one type of food can have a much larger impact than small-scale farming. As avocados can’t be grown in the UK, they’re mainly farmed in the tropical climates of South and Central America, South Africa, or Mediterranean countries like Israel and, closer to home, Spain. In South and Central America and South Africa, where climate change is affecting weather patterns, increased production of avocados can cause water stress. Growers are trying to combat this using drip irrigation systems that use less water. In Peru, some farms use the water melting off the Andes, or in Israel, desalinated seawater. In the UK, we import all avocados so when you buy, check the label to see how far they’ve travelled. You can also find schemes online where you can buy direct from smaller scale farmers committed to trying to farm more sustainably.
Green goddess avocado salad
SERVES 4 PREP 20 mins COOK 16 mins plus resting EASY
2 tbsp neutral-tasting oil (optional)
4 chicken breasts, or