![papaya-1.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmZ4GPiHTg575p65WfRSchHquuXfEPkJ6hYqreJ1xPgEWm/papaya-1.jpg)

Once called the "fruit of the angels" by Christopher Columbus, papaya (or pawpaw) is deliciously sweet with a soft, butter-like consistency that makes it ideal to make "NiceCream." Next to its highly nutritious flesh, papaya seeds are edible too. Though their peppery, bitter flavor might not be for everyone. 

Just as the fruit,  other parts of the papaya tree contain papain an enzyme that helps digest proteins. Furthermore, the seeds can help fight parasite infections, which makes it a wonderful addition to your diet if you live in a parasite-infected region such as the tropics. 

Furthermore, 1 small papaya (276 grams, or a bit more than 0.5 pounds) is a great source of vitamin C (224% of your daily need (DV)), folate (26% DV), fiber (19% DV), Vitamin A (15% DV), magnesium (14% DV), potassium (14% DV), copper (13% DV), and  pantothenic acid (11% DV). 

![papaya-3.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmcaMjp1Q9H14JBC5gpwiGPvDbeg1mq8s93eR1UCNYHHqw/papaya-3.jpg)

FYI: The one I'm holding in the picture is a little over 2 kg or 4 pounds. See how it is getting a light yellow spot? Means it is almost ripe. As it was getting super heavy, we let it ripen on the counter for a few days. We weren't going to be home a lot so better harvest a little too early than to come home and find in on the ground eaten by ants and other jungle critters. 

![papaya-2.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmS9QcBRaxZPqkCXiqTgQDLPJBVx13BXHgsdrUgbmjJERe/papaya-2.jpg)

# How to grow your own ღ ღ ღ
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If there is one tropical fruit that is easy to grow then it's papaya. The only thing you need to do is throw some of the seeds in the garden, water, and wait. 

Don't bother to sow them indoors in pots first. Papaya doesn't like to be transplanted but the seeds sprout very well. If you live in a colder climate and want to grow them indoors in a pot, make sure you sow them in a big pot to avoid translation. 

Transplanting a papaya plant will stunt their growth for a few months. Something you don't want as you can grow a papaya from seed to fruit in about 6 months if the conditions are right! 

So again, when you buy your next papaya just rinse the seeds with water and throw them in the garden. Easy-peasy! Btw they attract lovely creatures too (pic below was from our previous house though)

![DSCF0084.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmQNhcjQuNa7CV8ZKMHL16XMTnU2wtU6QSGKMzzJKvZa8T/DSCF0084.JPG)

![papaya-5.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmf7iDu8HvFRCB9fo1WmRfY4D6EmtVGNir6cZCNZNe5RqT/papaya-5.jpg)

# Papaya Green Smoothie Nice Cream
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Yummy as breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert. In other words, it's delicious at any time of the day ;)

![papaya-8.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmTWk7Wg7wj7BXYDYf4UmuTb4nmkhfCctj2KneFsFu2Z6Y/papaya-8.jpg)

## Ingredients (serves 2)
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2 banana chunked and frozen
2 cups papaya chunked and frozen (save some for topping)
1/2 cup pineapple chunked and frozen (save some for topping)
1 cup spinach packed, freeze leaves
1/2-1 cup unsweetened almond milk cooled, or coconut milk works too

FYI: other optional toppings include raw cacao nibs, toasted coconut flakes, goji berries, mulberries, fresh fruits, pistachios or other seeds and nuts.

## Directions
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1. Freeze all ingredients except the almond milk. 
2. Add all ingredients to a blender and process until smooth soft serve ice cream.
3. Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

![papaya-7.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmWMPtU9MvVRMAmgT1mgMRG9YGk4sVECdXWX5jfSN4DhyE/papaya-7.jpg)

![papaya-6.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmSRX93cVsuFTbihikFUkVAuLRCue6FfgDwE7txqnKJaHQ/papaya-6.jpg)

# Happy #FruitandVeggiesMonday ღ ღ ღ
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Thank you @lenasveganliving for organizing this fun little contest every week. 

![signature-new.png](https://steemitimages.com/DQmdVisDZd4zs7wGtJ8w7uFSaZYcKmg2bDDoo9ZtYpjhrr4/signature-new.png)

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ALL CONTENT IS MINE AND ORIGINAL!
PICTURE(s) TAKEN WITH NIKON D5600 
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### <center>FYI: For green smoothie tips, tricks, and recipes, download my FREE green smoothie eBook [HERE](https://eatlove.live/free-green-smoothie-ebook/)!</center>