Perfect Papaya
I used to hate papayas. I don’t really know why, maybe because I thought they smelt of vomit…sometimes I still think they do but with lime squeezed on them they are actually delicious and when I found out how amazing they are for your health, I decided to give them another try.
Super versatile - you can make them into smoothies, and herbs, onion and garlic and make a soup or simply eat straight from the skin. They grow wildly in Uganda and are GMO free. Dont pass up on this health source.
Papayas are very high in vitamin C, a good source of vitamin A and folate, and are loaded with the enzyme papain that helps you digest protein, which also helps keep your skin, nails and hair beautiful! Papayas can help ripen other fruits if put beside them in your fruit bowl and can even cook meat!
If you are feeling adventurous eat the papaya seeds! They are the most powerful part of the papaya. Hugely beneficial to the liver and kidneys, and may rid your body of intestinal parasites. You can eat the seeds whole, but I like to blend them up into my smoothies. They can have a strong taste, so I don’t use a lot at a time, start with a teaspoon and see how you go. You can also put clean dried papaya seeds into a spice grinder to sprinkle onto your food. They have a peppery flavor, and mix well into salad dressings or as a replacement to pepper.
Here’s a recipe I recently discovered that incorporates papaya, it is refreshing, easy to make and will keep you full for hours! Thanks foodbabe for sharing this recipe.
Ingredients
1 cup sprouted lentils
1 small papaya, peeled and diced
½ red bell pepper, diced
2 scallions, chopped
2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
Coriander Lime Dressing:
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon raw honey
1 teaspoon dried and ground papaya seeds (optional)
Instructions
Cook 1 cup of lentils according to package instructions.
While the lentils are cooking, in a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.
Place the lentils, papaya and veggies in a bowl. Top with the dressing and toss to combine. Enjoy!
