Beat The Heat With 6 Refreshing Papaya Dishes This Summer
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As the summer sun is beating down on the country, people are trying to find comfort through several means. You can stay indoors, stay hydrated by taking in infused fluids and electrolytes, indulging in hydrating fruits and vegetables, etc. to survive the summer months. One of the fruits that, apart from offering a delicious taste, provides hydration during the summer is papaya.   

Papaya, the bright orange fruit, is common at our breakfast tables. Known for its sweet and tropical flavour, this is a nutritious and versatile fruit that is used in several Indian dishes. Papaya contains pectin, which benefits digestion and keeps the gut healthy. It is also a hydrating fruit, having 88.8% water, thus making it a summer-friendly fruit. This article will delve into six papaya dishes that you can enjoy in summer:   

  • Papaya Chaat   

Papaya chaat is quite common in the summer season. You often indulge it as a mid-morning snack that combines the sweetness of ripe papaya with spicy and tangy flavours. To prepare this chaat, cut papaya into dice and toss them with chopped onions, tomatoes, green chillies, and fresh coriander. Season the chaat with chaat masala, lemon juice, and a pinch of black salt for extra flavours.   

  • Papaya Raita  

Give a twist to the traditional raita with papaya raita this season. It blends the creamy texture of yoghurt with the sweetness of papaya. You can easily make papaya raita with grated ripe papaya and whisked yoghurt. To flavour it, add roasted cumin powder, chopped mint leaves, and salt to taste. You can serve papaya raita along with spicy curries or rice dishes to balance out the heat.   

  • Papaya Smoothie  

Beat the summer heat by indulging in a refreshing papaya smoothie, which is fully packed with vitamins and minerals. Blend ripe papaya with yoghurt, honey, and coconut water or milk until it achieves a smooth consistency. For an extra nutritional boost, you can also add a handful of spinach leaves, a dash of lime juice, and sprinkle chia seeds. Enjoy this nutritious smoothie as a light breakfast.   

  • Papaya Popsicles

The summer heat can be beaten down by making homemade papaya popsicles that are both healthy and delicious. Blend the ripe papaya with coconut water or fruit juice until smooth and pour it into the popsicle molds. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze until solid. For extra texture and flavour, you can also add fresh fruits and mint leaves to the popsicle moulds. These are nutritious for both adults and kids.   

  • Papaya Salad  

Papaya salad is a popular Thai dish that the Indians have adapted in their own way. To make the Indian-style papaya salad, cut the ripe papaya into julienne and toss it with shredded carrots, bell peppers, and fresh herbs like coriander and mint. Add a tangy dressing of lime juice, honey, and chilli flakes to the salad. Garnish with roasted peanuts or toasted coconut flakes for extra crunchiness. This light, refreshing salad is perfect for a summer picnic.   

  • Papaya Sorbet   

Satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade papaya sorbet that is naturally sweet and refreshing. To prepare this, blend ripe papaya with orange juice and honey until smooth. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze for a few hours, stirring occasionally to break up any ice crystals. Serve the papaya sorbet in chilled bowls or scoop it in for a guilt-free dessert on a hot summer day.