Creamy Tropical Papaya Smoothie

Nourish Naturally's Creamy Tropical Papaya Smoothie

Serves: 2

Ingredients
1 medium papaya
Pulp of 2 passionfruit
Cup natural yoghurt
1 banana
2.5 cups milk of choice
Fresh mint leaves to top

Method
Peel and deseed papaya. Cut into chunks & place into blender with remaining fruit & milk.
Blend until smooth & creamy.
Pour into glasses and top with mint leaves.

Spring Update: Australian Papaya Arrives In Abundance

Australian papaya is set to hit stores in abundance, with the spring peak bringing a plentiful supply of fresh, tasty fruit thanks to favourable winter conditions.

President of Papaya Australia and Mareeba (QLD) papaya grower, Gerard Kath, says they're expecting plenty of sweet fruit for Aussies to enjoy right through spring.

"We had a relatively kind winter – minimal rain with lots of tropical sunshine and above average temperatures – so the fruit that's coming through is a nice size and deliciously sweet. We had major weather setbacks earlier in the year so we're thrilled with the fruit coming into market, which volume wise should be as big as previous seasons," he said.

"We're confident there will be plenty of deliciously fresh Aussie papaya available nation-wide."

Dietitian Jemma O'Hanlon, says that coming into the warmer months, papaya is a great snack that can help keep the whole family healthy.

"Papaya is the perfect addition to your weekly shopping basket. One serving (150g) provides a healthy dose of folate, fibre, vitamin C and vitamin A, which helps keep your immune system, gut health and skin in-check.

"If you're looking for a taste of the tropics, papaya is a versatile option for the whole family."

Traditionally eaten fresh, the taste and texture of papaya is also great for smoothies, desserts or chopped and sprinkled over your morning muesli. Whether it be a zesty salsa, tangy muffin or vibrant salad, papaya can add a refreshing and tropical twist to any dish, sweet or savoury.

Jemma O'Hanlon's top tips for enjoying papaya this autumn
First, pick a perfect one in-store. Ripe papaya will yield to gentle pressure. Because the fruit is fragile a few smalls spots and blemishes are normal and aren't an indication of quality. Papaya should have green/yellow skin.

Here are some ideas to try:
• Super Squeeze: Give your papaya a zesty twist by adding a squeeze of fresh lime. As an added flavour kick, try sprinkling with chilli salt
• Boosted Baking: When added to cakes and banana bread, papaya adds extra fibre, nutrients and vitamins. Try this recipe for papaya and banana bread 
• Spicy Seafood: Papaya pairs perfectly with seafood. Whip up a spicy papaya salsa by combining it with red onion, coriander, lime juice and red chilli and serve it with grilled salmon or fresh prawns
• Creative Curries: Mashed papaya works perfectly to add flavour and depth to any curry. Try this family favourite papaya and chicken curry recipe
• Power Pepper: Don't toss the papaya seeds. Dry them, then grind them and use in place of pepper

What's the difference between Papaya and Papaw?
The two fruits can be distinguished by their colour, shape and flavour. Papaya is usually pear shaped, has green/yellow skin with red flesh and a sweeter flavour, while papaw is usually round, has yellow/orange skin with yellow flesh and is less sweet.

Spring and autumn are the peak seasons for Australian papaya and papaw but it is available all year round.

For delicious recipes and more information about papaya visit:
www.australianpapaya.com.au