Papaya Haiku

Fruit of the Angels?
Green is way too ripe.

Must ripen to a red-orange.
Promptly turns to brown.


Papaya Smoothie

Adapted from Tropical Energy Smoothie
Serves 1

3/4 c. pineapple juice
1/2 c. plain yogurt
1 T. tahini (or other nut butter)
1 c. peeled and chopped papaya, or scooped out with a spoon
1/2 medium banana
1 c. ice

Place ingredients into blender in order. Blend until smooth.

Variations:
Substitute orange juice for the pineapple juice. Substitute 1/2 c. pineapple for 1/2 of the cup of papaya. Leave out the banana if you like.

Hawaiian papayas are smaller. The are best when they have a reddish orange skin. Asian and Carribean are larger and are ripe when green and yellow. Hint: If you wait for the Asian or Carribean one to turn a beautiful red-orange, you will be writing your own rotting papaya poem. Read more about them here and here.