How can Papayas boost your health?
Papayas are a nutrient powerhouse…but this fruit isn’t as well known. Let’s ask a registered dietitian – Holly Larson, MS, RD – the questions you might have and get you excited to enjoy papaya on a regular basis.
A papaya is a tropical vacation in every bite! Next time you're looking for a break from the ordinary, reach for a papaya.
Cubes of fresh papaya have a soft, buttery consistency and a sweet, floral aroma. The taste is an unexpected blend of sweetness with a hint of earthiness.
Trying a new fruit such as papaya can be an exciting culinary adventure; the key to enjoying papaya is to ensure it's ripe. The skin should have a yellow to orange-red color, and it should yield slightly to pressure when pressed.
Here are a few serving suggestions for you to try:
● Papaya Smoothie: Blend diced papaya with some yogurt and a drizzle of honey.
● Papaya Salad: Toss some ripe papaya chunks in a salad with lettuce, avocado, and grilled chicken. The sweet, juicy papaya pairs beautifully with the savory ingredients, creating a balanced and satisfying dish.
● Grilled Papaya: Brush papaya slices with a little bit of honey and grill them until they're caramelized. The heat intensifies the sweetness of the papaya, making it a perfect side dish for barbecued meats or a unique dessert when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
● Papaya Salsa: Mix diced papaya, jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice to create a vibrant and flavorful salsa.
Nope!
All fruits, including papaya, have some sweetness from naturally occurring sugars. That’s what makes them so delicious!
Beyond that, papaya are boosted with fiber, vitamin C, beta-carotene and lycopene to keep each and every one of your cells healthy. We all probably could use more fruit and veggies on a daily basis; why not include a delicious, tropical papaya?
Most likely! Papayas are gluten-free, vegetarian, plant-based, and nutritious.
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