Spring is in the air and summer is soon to follow a great time to feast on Papaya. Look for near ripe fruit yellow to orange in colour depending on the variety. A great time to make a smoothie bowl for breakfast or lunch. This smoothie bowl is sure to please filled with thick creamy papaya topped with fresh raspberries, blueberries, shredded coconut and dried cranberries with an extra splash of colour from edible flower petals.
INGREDIENTS
PAPAYA: when choosing a papaya for a smoothie recipe look for fruit that is ripe and ready to eat. You can know a ripe papaya by its colour. They are usually picked when they are just starting to change colour. A fully ripe papaya is yellow or orange depending on the variety. you may also notice blemishes or brownish spots on the skin another indication that the fruit is ripe and ready to eat. Another way of knowing it is ripe is by the smell, it will have a sweet floral smell. One more way is , if you gently apply pressure on the larger end of the papaya to check for softness. When you eat papaya you can know you are eating an incredible healthy tropical fruit. This fruit is loaded with goodness and helps your skin to glow and remain youthful. Some studies are showing that the antioxidants in papaya may reduce the risk of cancer and slow its progression. Its high Vitamin C and lycopene content may reduce the risk of heart disease. It also helps reduce inflammation and improve digestion.
BANANA: If you have a choice choose organic you can really taste the difference. When bananas are becoming ripe and it seems to happen quickly through the summer months, peel them and place in the freezer for future smoothies and banana nice cream. Some of the benefits of eating bananas is they are rich in potassium good for your heart health and blood pressure. They are one of the best sources of vitamin B6 which maintains a healthy nervous system and helps the body to produce red blood cells.
MEDJOOL DATES: ooze with sweetness and taste like caramel. They are high in fibre and antioxidants.
COCONUT WATER: is a natural source of minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium. Chill coconut water before drinking it is so refreshing.
RECIPE
2 cups papaya, cubed
1 large size banana, roughly chopped (may use frozen)
1-2 medjool dates, pitted (optional)
400ml coconut water or liquid of your choice
METHOD
*Place all ingredients into a blender and blend on high until smooth and creamy
*Pour smoothie mix into a serving bowl and garnish with whatever fresh fruit is in season top with dried fruit and nuts for extra texture.
GARNISH
Fresh blueberries
Fresh raspberries
Shredded or desiccated coconut
Dried cranberries
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