Here we are, faced with an exotic fruit that is perhaps still underestimated in Western culture. It is widespread throughout South America, where in the past it was even considered sacred to the gods by the Mayan people.
In recent years, papaya has also grown splendidly in Sicily, and we in Giarre know this well.
It contains vitamin C, vitamin A, K, and folic acid; it acts as a gastric protector and detoxifier. But most importantly, papaya yields papain, an enzyme that aids digestion, which is why it's excellent when eaten at the beginning of a meal.
How to use papaya
You should always remove the skin, which comes off easily, and the black seeds inside; we recommend using a spoon for this operation. At this point, you are left with only the pulp, which you can use in many delicious recipes.
Papaya-based menu
We are so enamored with this tropical fruit that we offer you an entire menu featuring papaya.
Appetizer
Prosciutto and papaya
Looking for an original alternative to prosciutto and melon? Try replacing the melon with papaya. Guaranteed freshness.
Ingredients for 4 people: 1 large or two medium papayas, 350g of prosciutto crudo, 4 radishes (optional), fresh mint to taste.
Cut the papaya pulp (previously peeled and deseeded) into cubes. Skewer a cube with a toothpick and add, in order, a slice of prosciutto folded over itself, one or two thin slices of radish - previously cut - and 2/3 mint leaves. Once you have made the desired number of skewers, arrange them on a plate and sprinkle with lemon juice and a few drops of extra virgin olive oil.
Salad
Papaya has also spread to the East, becoming a typical Thai dish: the very popular papaya salad. It's very simple to prepare: cut the fruit into thin strips and add peanuts, lime juice, chili (optional), cherry tomatoes, and fish sauce (if you don't have it, a few drops of organic soy sauce could work).
If you like the idea of preparing a large salad with papaya, we also refer you to the recipe "Papaya and goat cheese salad with crispy croutons." Delicious!
First course
Risotto with papaya and lime
You need to be a bit skilled in the kitchen for this preparation, but the result is a triumph of taste and imagination. In fact, it is an original dish that will win over your guests.
Let's start with the ingredients.
For 4 people: 180g rice, 1 papaya, 1/2 squeezed lime, salt to taste, black pepper, knob of butter, about 3 tablespoons EVO oil, a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Preparation: put the butter with 2 tablespoons of oil in a pot, as soon as it melts, add the rice and toast it for a few minutes. Then start adding vegetable broth until the rice is covered by two fingers and proceed with cooking, adding broth as needed. When the rice is al dente, add the Parmesan and pepper, the remaining oil, and then the papaya that you have already cut into small cubes. Stir until the papaya is almost a cream. Add the lime juice and serve with more freshly ground pepper.
Second course
Grouper with papaya
Ingredients for 4 people: 600g grouper fillets, 1 clove garlic, chili (optional), 4 corn tortillas (alternatively 4 piadine), 4 limes, salt to taste, 5 tablespoons EVO oil, cilantro, 1 avocado.
Preparation: Cut the previously cleaned papaya pulp and the avocado pulp into cubes. Pour everything into a bowl with: juice of 2 squeezed limes, chili powder, extra virgin olive oil and let it "marinate" until serving. Arrange the grouper fillets in a baking dish, adding the juice of the remaining limes, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and a peeled garlic clove. Let it flavor for at least 10 minutes. Now salt the fillets and cook them on a hot griddle, turning them 2/3 times per side, for about 10 minutes. During cooking, baste them with the juice from the papaya bowl. Proceed with cooking the tortillas (1 minute per side) and fill them once ready with the fillets and marinated fruit.
Dessert
Papaya cream
This is a true classic of Brazilian cuisine, which we recommend consuming immediately after preparation (otherwise the texture might change). For 2 servings, you'll need 380g of very ripe papaya (important), 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream, and 2 teaspoons of blackcurrant liqueur (crème de cassis).
Roughly chop the pulp and blend it. Add the ice cream and mix well. After pouring the mixture into two small bowls, add the crème de cassis and serve immediately.
Curiosities about papaya
- Mexico is the world's leading exporter of papaya!
- In a test conducted in Nigeria, 76.7% of children affected by intestinal bacteria completely recovered thanks to the beneficial substances contained in papaya;
- Papaya seeds should not be thrown away; in fact, saving and reusing them is an excellent idea (they can be added whole or crushed to salads).
Have we convinced you that papaya absolutely needs to be introduced into our diet?