Summer is nearing an end, but Arizonans across the state are still going to have to deal with at least another month of high temperatures. If Arizonans have to deal with the high temps of summer for a little bit longer it is best to give a few refreshing and healthy Hawaii papaya recipes to beat the heat. Papaya is a delicious tropical fruit that is low in fat, and a great source of fiber, vitamin C, Vitamin E, calcium, and potassium. Papayas are a nutritional powerhouse and the perfect fruit to use for a few end-of-summer recipes. Here are some nutritious and delicious papaya recipes for you and your family.
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Hawaii papaya salsa
Very few things in this world taste better than fresh salsa on a beautiful summer day. Arizonans are no strangers to good salsa and a delicious tropical salsa can give you a very balanced and refreshing flavor profile. Papaya is an excellent addition to any tropical salsa due to its delicious taste and health benefits. This salsa is perfect for chip dipping but even better as an addition to an at-home street taco recipe. Papaya salsa serves up to 10 people.
Ingredients
8 cups tomatoes, diced
1 1/2 cups purple onions, diced
1 cup green onion, chopped
1 large red bell pepper, diced*
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. Apple cider vinegar
5 large fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
3 large limes, cut in halves
3 cups ripe papaya, diced
Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions
1. Combine all ingredients except limes in a bowl and fold gently.
2. Squeeze lime juice into mixture.
3. Serve with tortilla chips.
* For spicy flavor, add 3 Mezzetta Hot Chili Peppers, finely chopped.
Fresh Hawaii papaya with lime
Sometimes the simplest recipes are the most refreshing. A simple serving of papaya with lime is a delicious summertime snack and requires very little effort to make. Slice your papaya in half and remove the seeds. You then cut each half of the papaya lengthwise into 1/3 pieces. Squeeze a fresh lime over the papaya and enjoy. This is a fresh and simple recipe that tastes amazing.
Hawaii papaya mango smoothie
Papayas and mangos are some of the best tropical fruits in the world so it only makes sense to blend them together in a splendid smoothie.
Ingredients
1/2 Papaya (Scoop seeds)
1 Banana
1 Mango (or frozen mango)
Coconut water (as much as you like)
1/4 tsp Turmeric
If you don’t use frozen fruit, then add a few ice cubes.
Blend and enjoy!
Hawaii papaya vinaigrette
A papaya vinaigrette is the perfect dressing for a summer salad or a marinade for meats. Summer is about enjoying refreshing tropical flavors and this dressing represents all of that perfectly.
Ingredients
1 lb. very ripe papaya
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 Tbsp. fresh basil
1/8 tsp. fresh cracked black peppercorns (crushed)
1 fresh garlic clove (medium)
2 Tbsp. fresh chives
1/4 Tbsp. sea salt
Dash of shoyu
Dash of oyster sauce
1/2 tbsp. sesame seed or poppy seed or caraway seed, optional
3/4 cup virgin olive oil
Directions
1. Scoop and crush papaya.
2. Add wet ingredients, then add dry ingredients and mix with a wire whisk.
3. Serve over 2″ romaine lettuce halves with other desired greens. Add variety and color with Manoa lettuce, red cabbage and iceberg lettuce, or even green, red and yellow bell peppers! Garnish with radish and endive with some anise, if desired.
Hawaii papaya popsicles
These popsicles are the perfect hot day snack and recipe to get kids excited about fruit. Papaya popsicles are easy to make and delicious treats for the whole family.
Ingredients
2 cups ripe papaya, peeled, seeded and cubed
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup agave syrup
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
Popsicle molds and sticks
Directions
1. Blend all ingredients together.
2. Pour papaya mixture into popsicle molds.
3. Add popsicle stick and freeze for about 6-8 hours.
4. To release the popsicle from the mold, run hot water briefly for a few seconds on the outside of the mold.
5. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Hawaii papaya is an amazing and refreshing tropical fruit to help deal with the last days of Arizona Summer. These recipes are easy to make and let you and your family enjoy all papaya’s delicious and healthy benefits. Enjoy!
Eric Weinert is the owner of Hawaii Papaya Direct a delivery service that ships fresh Hawaii Papaya directly to homes within two days. Hawaii Papaya Direct continues to provide Arizona customers with vacation-quality tropical fruits.
