United Flavors of America – Florida’s Papayas

Florida’s Papayas

While oranges and other citrus most often come to mind when thinking of Florida’s produce, the state’s tropical climate makes it the perfect place to grow all sorts of exotic fruit. High in vitamins – boasting a whopping 224% of your daily Vitamin C – papaya helps protect the cardiovascular system and promotes digestive health. Packed with beta-carotene, papaya supports the immune system, is an anti-inflammatory, protects the eyes – and can help prevent certain cancers. While papaya is delicious just sliced up raw, try this simple roasted version similar to baked squash.

Roasted Papaya

3 papayas

3 tsp pure vanilla extract

3 tbsp organic coconut oil

3 tsp nutmeg

3 tsp salt

Split papaya and remove seeds. Fill each recess with equal amounts of vanilla extract, coconut oil, nutmeg and salt. Roast in 350 degree oven in a shallow pan with ½ inch water for 45 minutes.

Sources

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=47

http://foodfacts.mercola.com/papaya.html

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/papaya-fruit.html