Green, smooth and tasty, guacamole is a staple food in Latin American cuisine. Akin with its rich flavor, guacamole has an equally rich origin.

What is Guacamole?
Guacamole is a green sauce made primarily from avocados with additional ingredients depending on the region of Mexico.

The History of Guacamole
The use of guacamole dates to the times of the Aztecs, an indigenous group that populated much of Mexico. The origin of the word guacamole comes from the Aztec phrase ahuaca-mulli, which translates roughly to avocado sauce. The Aztecs believed guacamole could be used as an aphrodisiac.

Guacamole and Aztec Diet
Because guacamole is naturally high in fats, proteins and vitamins, it served as a power food of sorts to fuel the arduous lifestyle of the Aztecs. Guacamole, because of its content of "good" fats, helped natives maintain cardiovascular health--benefits that can still be reaped today.

Guacamole and Europeans
The Spaniards who colonized Mexico immediately came to love guacamole and the avocado fruit itself. Guacamole eventually became a staple food among sailors known as "poor man's butter" or "midshipman's butter."

Uses for Guacamole
Traditionally, guacamole was used as a condiment for meat or a spread for tortillas. Now guacamole is used as a spread on just about anything: hamburgers, hot dogs, bread and sandwiches.