Papaya is a sweet,fleshy tropical fruit originating in Central America and Mexico - widely grown now around the world. Christopher Columbus, called it "the fruit of Angels' due to its sweet taste. A fruit that is loaded with anti-oxidents, Vitamins C and A, Potassium and fibre , all good for you. In addition Papaya's high vitamin C and lycopene content can improve heart health and may reduce the risk of heart disease. If you suffer from inflammation of the joints, then adding some papaya to your diet, will reduce the inflammation due to its high levels of carotenoid, ( lycopenes ).
If you suffer from IBS ( irritable bowel) or constipation, than papaya is a natural aid and remedy.
WHAT DOES IT TASTE OF ??
This funny shape fruit has an unique taste that many people love. However, its RIPENESS IS IMPORTANT to the overall taste.An unripe or overly ripe papaya can taste very different from one at its peak of ripeness. For the best taste, papaya should be yellow to orange-red in color, although a few green spots are fine. When pressed gently, it should 'give a little' if hard, its not ready. This fruit gives better flavor when cold, so it’s a good idea to keep it refrigerated whenever possible. It’s also an incredibly versatile fruit. You can scoop out the seeds and eat like a melon, or combine it with other fruits/veg and cook.juice or smoothie it ! Choose 'like minded ' fruits to compliment its flavor; tropical fruits are good. Good as a 'dessert' or as an accompaniment to savory foods - proscuitto/parma ham, blue cheese....
CHINESE PEAR ( aka ASIAN PEAR) - this is an Autumn/Winter fruit and have good health benefits, which makes them an ideal candidate for a nutritious snack or added to a meal - salad. Additionally these delicious fruits are high in fiber, low in calories and contain a number of micronutrients that are important for blood, bone and cardiovascular health. Little powerhouse fruit!
PAPAYA MEDJOOL CHINESE PEAR 'CARAMEL' DATES' AND BANANA COMBO ( makes 2 large glasses)
INGREDIENTS
1/2 PAPAYA - depends on size - cut into chunks
6 Medjool Dates - pitted
1 Chinese pear - 1/4 and de-seeded
1 banana - frozen if you want a creamier texture
Chia seeds
Honey if you want extra sweetness .....
Soya Milk unsweetened - coconut works well with this as well for that extra tropical taste!
First chop the dates small and add to blender with a little milk and the banana - this allows the dates to be blended thoroughly, so as not to leave small bits at the bottom of the smoothie.
Then add the chunks of Papaya , Chinese Pear to this mix, the chia seeds and the soya milk to the level required.
Blend for a minute to ensure the dates are mixed in - if you want it colder, add ice-cubes.
Pour into glasses, and ENJOY :)
HAPPY SMOOTHIE- ING
* all photo's mine
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THANKS FOR POPPING BY - SEE YOU NEXT TIME :)
@ladypenelope1 as promised here it is .
I'm off for a day or two - too busy nowadays so if you have a question- leave me a reply or in the chat. Thanks!
yes I saw Paelo - got a few recipes in my head - off to the supermarket /market tomorrow to look for some inspiraiton - :)