Hawaiian papaya is a tropical fruit known for its amazing color, sweetness and high profile of nutrients. Rich in vitamins like A and C, antioxidants, and enzymes that help the digestive system like papain. Hawaiian papaya is a great fruit to add to any diet. Incorporating this fruit into your daily routine can produce many health benefits including healthier digestion, and a boost in immunity. Here are a few ways you can introduce this healthy super fruit into your diet quite easily.
Breakfast bowls and smoothies
One easy way to add Hawaiian papaya to your diet is through breakfast bowls and smoothies. Consider adding diced papaya to your overnight oats or breakfast bowls that you are already preparing. If you are in a hurry, it is easy to add a few slices of Hawaiian papaya to any smoothie. Adding this fruit will add a bit of the tropics to your drink and some sweetness to help you start your day and provide you with many nutrients and vitamins to keep you energized as you go to work.
Salsas
Add a tropical twist to your meals. Hawaiian papaya provides a great topping to grilled fish, chicken, and shrimp dishes. When preparing, dice up Hawaiian papaya, mix it with onion, tomato, cilantro and some jalapeno for some heat. Squeeze on some lime juice and then you have an amazing sweet and spicy salsa that is perfect for burritos or even a dip with some tortilla chips.
Salads
Hawaiian papaya can be a refreshing addition to many salads. The juiciness and sweet flavor of the fruit contrasts perfectly with heartier vegetables like cucumber and avocado and even a bit of cheeses like feta. You can even toss in Hawaiian papaya with some greens, pine nuts and citrus for a light lunch salad. When making any salad Hawaiian papaya is a great addition as it adds that bit of sweetness you may be looking for in the middle of the day to help boost your mood and energy.
Desserts
Papaya is known for its sweetness. Enjoy this tropical fruit in a variety of desserts like sorbet or fruit salads. Consider eating it by itself with a spritz of lime juice and some honey for a quick and easy salad style dessert. Create an amazing parfait with cut up papaya, guava, pineapple and Greek yogurt to give you a taste of Hawaii while sitting at home.
Adding Hawaiian papaya to your diet will help enhance any meal with a sweetness and tang while providing many vitamins and nutrients to help support your overall health.
As with any dietary changes always consult your physician.
Author: Eric Weinert is the owner of Hawaii Papaya Direct, a delivery service that ships fresh Hawaii papaya directly to homes on the mainland within two days. Weinert is also the president of the Hilo-based Hawaii Papaya Industry Association.
