Although I have eaten fresh papaya, I have never purchased a fresh one. This week while browsing the produce aisle I was drawn to the island fruits. I picked out a huge papaya for only $2.89. They are ripe when they have a yellowish color and you can indent the skin slightly with your finger. Papayas are a good source of antioxidants such as carotenes, vitamin C, and flavonoids. They are also a good source of folic acid, vitamins E and A, potassium, and dietary fiber. The fruit contains an enzyme that helps in the digestion process.
I started visualizing myself on a south sea island, sitting on a white sand beach beckoning to a nearby islander to fetch me a local fruit smoothie. In reality, I opened my fridge and this is the ingredient list I came up with…papaya, mango, strawberries, pineapple and coconut milk!
The consistency of a fresh papaya is soft and creamy. It is no wonder the papaya was reputably called the “fruit of the angels” by Christopher Columbus.
Slice in half and scoop out the seeds. I tasted a seed and wasn’t impressed so I pitched them.
Cut in large slices, then using a paring knife, cut off the skin.
Start loading up your blender with papaya, sliced mango, fresh pineapple, fresh strawberries and grated lime peel. Add enough coconut milk to the consistency of your choice.
Ohhhhh my goodness, this drink just oozed of freshness! A frozen overripe banana would fit in with these island ingredients too!
I pinched myself to bring me back to reality…a small rural town in the Heartland…no beach and no ocean 
A friend just sent me a link to today’s post. I LOVED it. I want to subscribe . . . you sound like a delightful person to “read” regularly. And the smoothie sounds good, too.
Oh Jane, I am definitely bookmarking this. Mangoes are now coming in to season here.