This smoothie recipe is based on the traditional Mexican beverage Agua Fresca, which is water served with fruit or juice. Normally, this mixture is combined with more water, but I left it as is to enjoy the flavor of the papaya.
1 small papaya, peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks
1 cup cold water
1/4 cup sugar
juice of 2 small limes
Combine all ingredients in a blender until very smooth (blend longer than you think is necessary). Serve over ice. Umbrella optional.
From chapter 2:30 AM: Late Night Rehab of Midnight Snacks, “try this fortifying concoction to hydrate your system, flush out some lingering impurities, and get your body rebounding with a vitamin booster shot.” The authors certainly don’t lack imagination.
While the recipe is designed to stave off a hang-over, it’s a great early morning booster as well. Bonus: a full serving of fruit and veggies first thing in the morning, and then some. Normally, I adjust recipes to my liking, but this one was practically perfect. The only snag is the recipe is suppose to serve one, but I had plenty for two.
1 small papaya, peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup apple juice
1/2 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks
ice cubes (about 5-6)
Author’s instructions:
“Cast all the ingredients, along with any of the evening’s regrets, into the blender and puree.”
I do not advocate the peeling and seeding of fruits and vegetables, but in the case of papaya it is necessary. For the cucumber, it’s more about the texture of the smoothie. The only thing I added to this was a sprig of mint, just for show. If you really want to balance your breakfast, try yogurt or milk in place of the fruit juices.
Ripe papaya are more yellow than green and should yield slightly when you squeeze it.
