I tasted my first Papaya Fruit Drink 50 years ago in the Dominican Republic – Santo Domingo – during their annual merengue festival. A dance that originated in the Dominican Republic. Every morning I would walk to the fruit stand along the beach and order the most delicious creamy papaya beverage. There were other fruits to choose from but my favorite was the papaya.
The Papaya Fruit Drink consists of only 4 ingredients (ripe papaya, milk, sugar and ice cubes). Today, however, these fruit beverages are known as smoothies. Furthermore, many individuals also add other ingredients to this drink like yogurt. Those individuals that are vegans or vegetarians can substitute the milk with soy or almond milk.
The Papaya Fruit!
The main ingredient is the papaya. The papaya should be very ripe to make this tropical fruit drink. When the skin of the papaya has a yellow-orange-light green color, the papaya is ripe. However, If the skin color is a solid green, the fruit is not yet ripe. Conversely, if the skin is a solid yellow color, the fruit is very ripe. There are different shapes and sizes depending on the variety.
Food History!
The papaya is native to Mexico, Central America and Northern part of South America. The Caribbean papaya are very large. The papaya fruit is very rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Potassium. In addition, it is considered a powerful digestive aid because it contains an enzyme called Papain.
Preparing the Papaya for the Papaya Fruit Drink!
Cut off one end of the papaya and then cut the papaya in half lengthwise.
When you cut into a ripe papaya, it has a distinct fruity aroma. The flesh of the papaya has a reddish orange color. The cavity contains small black seeds and their appearance is similar to capers. The texture and flavor are often compared to a melon but less sweet.
With a spoon, gently scrape out the seeds from the center of the papaya. The seeds are edible and have a peppery flavor.
You can store the seeds in the refrigerator and add them to your salads!
Once the seeds are removed, you can either peel each half of the papaya, using a knife lengthwise or
as I prefer, cut each half into 1-inch wedges.
Peel the papaya wedges by inserting a knife between the flesh and skin. Continue this process with the remaining papaya wedges.
Lastly, we can now cut the papaya wedges into 1 to 1½-inch chunks or cubes. Repeat this process for the other half of papaya.
We just finished cutting, seeding, peeling and cubing a whole ripe papaya. A medium size papaya yields at least 4 cups. You can place the papaya chunks in a container and store them in the refrigerator to make your smoothies within a week.
NOTE: Similarly, you can vacuum seal the papaya chunks and place them in the freezer for future use. Whenever you want to prepare a papaya smoothie, add the frozen papaya chunks with the other ingredients into a blender.
Blending the Ingredients for the Papaya Fruit Drink!
In an electric blender, add 1 to 1½ cups of chopped papaya. The papaya contains pectin, which serves as a thickener. Therefore, if you want your fruit drink to have a thicker consistency, then add more papaya to the blender or decrease the amount of milk.
Continue by pouring 1 cup milk and then adding 3 tablespoons of sugar or to taste and 1 cup of ice cubes (or crushed ice).
Cover blender with lid. Beat at high speed until all the ingredients are well blended and a smooth consistency is formed.
After 50 seconds of blending, the Papaya Fruit Drink has a creamy texture. However, depending on your blender, it might take more than 50 seconds to blend all the ingredients.
Pouring the Papaya Fruit Drink!
I usually pour the Papaya Fruit Drink in a pitcher and store in the refrigerator.
Serve yourself a glass of this creamy tropical smoothie and relax while you are enjoying the fruity melon flavors!
Click on the button below to watch my YouTube video on How to Make a Papaya Fruit Drink (Batida de Papaya)!
Recipe and Nutritional Facts
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. Please refer to our Nutritional Facts Disclaimer for more information.
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Papaya Fruit Drink
- Prep Time: 8 Minutes
- Total Time: 8 Minutes
- Yield: 3 Servings 1x
Description
Papaya Fruit Drink is a tropical smoothie that is very creamy with a fruity melon flavor. A refreshing drink for the hot summer months.
Ingredients
- 1 to 1½ cups fresh papaya, cut, peel, seeded and cubed
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- Remove one end of the papaya and cut the papaya in half lengthwise.
- Remove seeds from the center of the papaya with a spoon.
- Cut the papaya into 1-inch wedges.
- Peel the papaya wedges. Cut each wedge into 1 to 1½-inch chunks or cubes.
- Add all the ingredients into an electric blender. Beat at high speed until all the ingredients are well blended and a creamy texture is formed.
- Serve in medium size glasses.
Notes
In addition, you can place the remaining papaya chunks in a container and store them in the refrigerator to be consumed within a week. Similarly, you can vacuum seal the papaya chunks and place them in the freezer for future use.
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Blending - Electric Blender
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Keywords: Papaya Fruit Drink, Batida de Papaya
2 Comments. Leave new
Tried this recipe for the first time tonight and love it! Very tasty and refreshing.
★★★★★
Hola Sherry, I am glad that you enjoyed this tropical fruit drink. You are correct it is very tasty and refreshing. It is also a nutritional and healthy fruit drink.