Adding the Top Anti-Inflammatory Ingredient to Your Sandwiches

Ever since I started learning to cook professionally more than two decades ago, I had this dream to open a small lunch café specializing in soups, salads, and sandwiches. Everything would be handmade, from the sandwich bread to the stock for soups. Although my culinary career took a different path, the idea of this café still lingers in my mind. As a busy father, food writer, and recipe developer, I find myself daydreaming about the cream-colored walls and rotating menu featuring farm-fresh produce on a daily basis.

The inspiration for my conceptual café came from a few lunch spots in a small New Hampshire town where I worked as a newspaper reporter. These cozy restaurants served delicious sandwiches, and one in particular stood out for offering fresh sliced avocado as a topping. Back then, avocados were not as readily available, and the idea of avocado toast was still years away from becoming a trend.

Fast forward to today, and avocados have become a staple in my household. My daughters are particularly fond of this buttery green fruit, finding creative ways to incorporate it into their meals. Avocados not only add a creamy and nutty element to sandwiches but also come with a host of health benefits, especially their anti-inflammatory properties.

When it comes to improving your sandwich game, avocados can be a game-changer. Whether mashed with a squeeze of lime juice or sliced and added to a sandwich, avocados provide a delicious and satisfying addition. I like to load my sandwiches with fresh vegetables, pickles, lettuce, cheese, and even a schmear of hummus for added flavor and nutrients. The creamy texture of avocados can replace traditional condiments like mayonnaise, adding a rich and buttery element to the sandwich.

One of my all-time favorite sandwiches is a BLT, and adding lightly mashed avocado takes it to a whole new level. The richness of the avocado complements the salty bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. For added flavor, I like to mix fresh herbs into mashed avocado, adding a herbaceous touch to the sandwich.

To pick the perfect avocado, look for one that is dark green or black without blemishes, slightly tender when pressed, and with a green color under the stem. Once you’ve cut into an avocado, store the leftover half in the skin with the pit to prevent oxidation. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep it fresh.

In terms of health benefits, avocados are a nutritional powerhouse. They are high in fiber, antioxidants, monounsaturated fats, potassium, and magnesium, all of which contribute to a healthy diet and can help fight inflammation, maintain a healthy weight, and promote heart health.

In conclusion, adding avocado to your sandwich not only enhances the flavor and texture but also provides important nutrients that can benefit your health. Experiment with different flavors and seasonings to create a delicious and nutritious meal. Whether you enjoy it mashed, sliced, or mixed with herbs, avocado is a versatile ingredient that can elevate your sandwich game and boost the anti-inflammatory properties of your lunch.