Papaya Lime Bars

Serves 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients
For the crust:
100 g butter, melted
1 cup flour (130 g)
1/2 cup icing sugar mixture (60 g)
1/4 tsp baking powder
zest from 1 lime – approx. 1 tsp
pinch sea salt

For the filling:
1/2 cup mashed papaya (125 g)
1⁄3 cup lime juice (80 ml)
2 eggs
1/4 cup caster sugar (60 g)
2 Tbsp cornflour (20 g)
zest from 1 lime – approx. 1 tsp
1⁄4 tsp sea salt

Method
Preheat oven to 180°C. Lightly coat a 20cm x 20cm pan with cooking spray, then line the base and two sides with a single strip of baking paper.
In a medium bowl combine the dry ingredients for the crust (flour through salt) and mix well. Add melted butter and stir to create a soft dough. Turn dough into the prepared pan and press evenly across the base.
Par-bake the crust for 12 mins until just golden. While it's baking, make the filling.

Add papaya and lime juice to a blender jug and puree until smooth. Add remaining filling ingredients (eggs through salt) and pulse to combine.
Remove pan from the oven, pour filling over the hot crust and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 18 - 20 mins, until bars are puffed and firm to the touch in the centre.
Allow papaya bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before running a knife around the edge of the slice and using the paper to lift it out onto a rack. Cool completely, then cut into bars to serve.

Boost Immunity This Autumn With Healthy Fresh Papaya

The Australian papaya industry is experiencing a healthy harvest year, with the prediction of plenty of deliciously sweet fruit available all throughout the autumn flush. 

Dietitian Jemma O'Hanlon says that papaya boasts a wealth of health benefits and with the tasty tropical fruit in abundance, it's the perfect pick to 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. 

"Papaya also adds a refreshing and sweet twist to any dish, making it a versatile option the whole family will love" she added. 

Papaya can be enjoyed simply with a squeeze of lime or in a range of delicious ways – the taste and texture make it a refreshing contrast in everything from curries to cake, salad or your morning muesli or smoothie. 

Six reasons why you should be enjoying papaya this autumn, according to a dietitian: 

Immunity Strengthening: Papaya provides a whopping 225% of the daily intake for vitamin C which helps to support so many key functions of the body – iron absorption, growth and repair, and immunity. 
Waistline Friendly: At just 51 calories per serve, papaya is the perfect nutrient-rich snack or sweet tooth satisfier – enjoy on its own or with a squeeze of lime for added zest. 
Gut Health Boosting: Papaya contains dietary fibre which is good for your gut and digestive wellbeing. Just one serve contains 3.5g – the perfect fuel to help keep you feeling full! 
Mums and Bubs: Papaya is a source of folate which is great for mums, bubs and mums-to-be. Folate supports immunity, is essential for brain function and acts to reduce neural tube defects in unborn babies. The soft texture is also ideal for a baby's teething gums! 
Supports Glowing Skin: Important antioxidants found in papaya include cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin. These and vitamin C help to boost collagen formation and support healthy glowing skin. 
Boosts Hydration: Papayas are 90% water, so you can enjoy papaya as a way of meeting your hydration needs. The versatile tropical fruit will help keep you hydrated across the day - serve with muesli, sliced as a refreshing snack or tossed through a salad. 

President of Papaya Australia and Mareeba (QLD) papaya grower, Gerard Kath, says that despite a later start to the autumn peak, Aussies can expect plenty of fresh, tasty papaya in stores from April, thanks to the important role Aussie farmers play in helping to supply the nation with fresh and beautiful produce. 

"Although we had a dry start, the relatively below average wet season has helped the fruit to develop well and we're thrilled with quality hitting supermarket shelves - it's a nice size and deliciously sweet," he said. 

"We're excited for our customers to enjoy the fresh papaya coming onto the market now – they'll be able to find an abundance in their local supermarkets as well as any independent retailers or green grocers," he said. 

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