One of the beautiful things about writing an international blog is being able to post this refreshing Strawberry Papaya Smoothie in the dead of January, and no one will bat an eye. Because it’s not winter everywhere!
While North American bloggers are wrapped in fleece blankets, posting warming lentil soups, hearty potato stews, & filling lasagnas, here I am wearing shorts & tank top in 28-degree (Celsius!) weather, holding the biggest papaya I’ve ever seen. Not that I’m smug about either of these things. I know that this gorgeous “winter” weather will only last until mid-February or so, and then it’s back to hothothot.
But I really want you to have this delicious recipe, whether you use it now, or next July! January is strawberry season in Philippines, and these sweet little berries are harvested from the cool mountain region of Baguio. They are smaller than American strawberries, and super sweet. As far as the papaya goes, it’s obviously always in season here. Edwin brought this gigantic one for me when he came to work yesterday. In addition to driving our family around during the week, Edwin also runs a produce business from his home in Cavite. He regularly brings me gifts of fresh buko (young coconuts), bananas, & papaya when he comes to work every Monday morning. Such a generous man!
This smoothie is so thick I almost called it a “slushie”, and I guess you could. It uses no dairy products, just a splash of light coconut milk to add some creaminess and body. But it is truly light and refreshing, spiked with fresh orange and lime (here we use the local calamansi) juice. It takes just 5 minutes to whip up in your blender, making it a perfect post-workout snack.
In my opinion, the flavours and colours of strawberry & papaya complement each other perfectly… but if you’re not a fan of papaya (or if you can’t get it), just substitute fresh peaches or nectarines in season. But whatever you do, go for the produce that’s grown closest to you… I’m learning from experience that eating local is best. It’s fresher, riper, and hasn’t had to travel in a big stinky truck. Win all around!
Enjoy, friends!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups strawberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 ½ cup fresh papaya, frozen
- ¾ cup coconut water (fresh buko juice is best)
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- ¼ cup light coconut milk
- 1 T. calamansi (or lime) juice
- 1 T. agave nectar or a few drops liquid stevia (optional)
- Fresh strawberries, to garnish
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients until smooth. Makes 2 servings.
Looks delicious, Rebecca. I love (good) papayas. I seem to struggle to get them to ripen evenly. Gotta love our “winter” weather!
Sometimes they don’t ripen evenly and that’s annoying! But if part of it is getting too ripe & you can’t eat it fast enough, that’s the perfect time to put in in the freezer for this smoothie! 🙂 xo