Papayas Recipes

PAPAYAS

Steps:

• Ripe papayas contain a nearly three-day supply of vitamin C and significant amounts of vitamins A and E, all powerful antioxidants. Papayas may also help improve skin and strengthen nails and hair. Ripe papaya is best known as a potent digestive aid, due to its high fiber content. Unripe, green papaya contains high levels of the digestive enzyme papain, which behaves much like those enzymes produced by the stomach's gastric juices. The fruit also contains a high amount of folate, which aids in cell production and helps prevent anemia.
• Choose slightly soft papayas with reddish-orange skin. Yellowish fruit will take several days to ripen. Depending on the variety, a papaya's flesh will appear yellow, orange, or a shade of salmon or red when ripe.
• To speed ripening, place the papaya in a paper bag with a banana, which releases the compound ethylene and hastens the process. Ripe papayas will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator.
• To serve, cut a papaya like a melon and remove the seeds, then squeeze lemon or lime juice on top. The acidity of the citrus will enhance the papaya's sweetness. The seeds, which have a slightly peppery taste, are edible as well. Sprinkle a few on a salad or use as a garnish. Unripe green papayas are delicious in Thai-and Vietnamese-style salads.
• The enzyme papain, found in green papaya, reduces the itch and irritation caused by mosquito bites. Simply rub a bite with a piece of the thinly sliced fruit.
• Do not try this remedy if you are allergic to insect venoms.)
• Papaya-Ginger Smoothie p.70
• Papaya-Berry Yogurt Parfaits p.77
• Papaya, Endive, and Crabmeat Salad p.174
• Steak with Spicy Papaya-Carrot Salsa p.272
• Roasted Papaya with Brown Sugar p.323

ROASTED PAPAYA WITH BROWN SUGAR

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Stir together sugar and ginger in a small bowl. Arrange papaya halves, cut sides up, in a 10-by-13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle sugar mixture evenly over halves.
• Bake, brushing papaya edges with melted sugar mixture (it will collect in well of fruit) 2 or 3 times, until mixture is bubbling and papaya edges are beginning to darken, 35 to 40 minutes.
• Sprinkle each serving with a pinch of cayenne. Serve with lime wedges.

PAPAYA STEW RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• Make the sofrito: Add the cilantro, green bell pepper, red onion, garlic, and olive oil to a food processor. Process until the mixture is fully combined, chunky, and uniform in color.
• Make the stobá: In a large bowl, pour the sofrito over the spare ribs, tossing to coat well. Marinate at room temperature for at least 20 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with nonstick spray.
• Place the shredded plantain in the center of the prepared baking sheet. Using the back of a spoon, spread the plantain evenly into a thin round, 6-8 inches wide.
• Bake the plantain round for 15 minutes. Remove the plantain round from the oven. Let cool slightly, then lift the plantain on the parchment paper and invert into a medium bowl. Place another medium bowl inside to set the shape of the plantain bowl. Let cool completely.
• In a medium saucepan, add the water and cured pork tail and simmer for 15-20 minutes to draw the salt out of the pork tail. Remove the pot from the heat and set aside.
• Melt the coconut oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until lightly browned and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
• Add the pork tail and cooking water, marinated spare ribs, and the salt. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 90 minutes until the meat is tender, adding more water if it evaporates too quickly.
• Add the green papaya, ripe papaya, mango, sweet potato, nutmeg, turmeric and coconut water to the stew. Cover and cook for another 45 minutes, until the meat is tender and the fruit is cooked through.
• While the stew cooks, spread the reserved papaya seeds on a baking sheet. Transfer to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, until lightly toasted and crisp. Set aside to cool.
• Place the plantain bowl inside a coconut shell or medium bowl. Ladle the stew into the plantain bowl. Garnish with the toasted papaya seeds and shredded coconut.
• Enjoy!

PAPAYA BOATS

Steps:

• In a bowl, mix the yogurt, walnuts, and raisins. Fold in the strawberries. Spoon the mixture into the centers of the papaya halves. Drizzle with honey to serve.