I really do not like papayas. Its musky taste and the slimy texture do not agree very well with my taste bud. So why am I writing this blog?
I had always been told to eat papayas since I was a kid because of it high nutritious value. It is an excellent source for vitamin C, a very good source for folate and potassium, and a good source for fiber, and vitamins A, E and K. It is very high in anti-oxidant. Papaya is believed to be able to promote digestive health, reduce inflammation, and protect against heart disease and certain forms of cancer. (source: www.whfoods.com)
Recently, a friend gave me a few papayas. I left them in the fridge for as long as I can. Ironically, the riper they get, the more antioxidant they develop. My procrastination actually helped to improve my health! Creativity is born out of desperation. I looked through my fridge for innovative recipe ideas. Then the light bulb was lit.
RECIPE: PAPAYA SMOOTHIE
1 papaya, peeled, seeded and cut into 1 inch cubes 6 large strawberries, stemmed ¼ cup blueberries ¼ cup green tea. Use more if you prefer a lighter drink 3 cubes of ice
Preparation: Blend all ingredients together in the blender until smooth.
The tangy and sour taste of strawberries helps to counter the musky papaya flavor. The green tea adds complexity. It turns out that a study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition (referenced in www.whfoods.com) found that regular consumption of lycopene-rich fruits, such as papaya, and green tea may greatly reduce a man's risk of developing prostate cancer. Suddenly, papaya has become more likeable.
I had a couple of friends, who had avoided smoothies all through their lives, tasted my drink. To my surprise, both of them finished their glasses. So give this a try and enjoy the health benefits along the way.