In the Healthy Habits Gospel according to Tinamarie Theresa there’s nothing like starting the day with fresh fruit. Before I left NY for Miami, the cold weather had me turnt. I work hard to channel my good mood through food as my belief is if we eat like a rainbow we will feel like a rainbow. I tried channeling the tropics by rolling up to my local produce market and picking out a papaya that would take me on a vacation at my own dining room table before I arrived at my actual destination.

Sorry, not sorry, these beach photos are from the 6 days I spent in Miami with my family - which recharged my hope, spirits and creative energy. I also arrived to Miami and found my uncle slicing up 2 papayas - so I was certain the stars were aligned for this trip or, rather, the papayas were aligned.

Here’s some information to get you excited about taking on a new fruit adventure. Welcome to Papaya 101.

Papaya
Papaya is a long melon-like tropical fruit with orange flesh and black seeds (edible, but bitter - so not suggested to eat); and when cut it looks similar to a melon such as cantaloupe. Native to Mexico, northern South America, Central America and other tropical climates (pssst it’s even grown in Florida) papaya comes from a large single stalk tree that may be anywhere from 16 to 33 feet in height.
*source, www.worldatlas.com

How To Pick A Papaya
This elongated fruit has a thick green and yellow exterior which will begin to soften and turn fully yellow upon ripening. When picking a papaya, go for a firm exterior, selecting a fruit that is already turning yellow. You may leave a papaya to ripen at room temperature for 2-3 days or you may speed up the ripening process by placing it in a paper bag. Tina Pro-Produce Tip: while you’re at it, feel free to toss unripe avocados in the brown paper bag too as fruit releases oxygen and these two companions will help one another have a ripening party.

Taste the Benefits
Papaya is loaded with Vitamin C - check out that bright orange color - and is loaded with antioxidants. This bright orange dream boat has the power to make your cells stronger so they can stand up against damage and things like free radicals - known to cause disease in our body. Other benefits include their anti-inflammatory properties because of their potent punch of carotenoids (see the Vitamin C and color note). A good daily dose of carotenoids protects our body from inflammation. Suffice to say, the more real, nutrient rich food we put in our body - the less aches and pains our joints will feel - now, isn’t that a joy?
And, while you’re at it, think of the hydration fruit provides in general. Papaya is no different, as it contains water plus loads of vitamins and minerals - promising to keep your skin glowing too.
Known to aid in digestion and help fight constipation, papaya also contains enzymes that make proteins easier to digest. Easy digestion = better bowels and lighter feelings in the body. Quite a sweet treat if you ask me!

Storing + Slicing
If your papaya ripens on your countertop and you’re not ready to eat it, store it in the refrigerator for a few days before you dig in. Once you’re ready, slice your melon in half lengthwise - at this point you can remove the black seeds, they look like capers, and discard. Then cut into long slices, remove the skin and cube as you would any melon. You can store cut papaya, refrigerated, in a glass container for up to 5 days.
I’m a single gal, so I often cut one half at a time and store the the other half of my papaya - seeds remaining - in plastic wrap and cut up when I’m ready to use it.

Eating + Enjoying

Breakfast
Papaya can be enjoyed many ways - in a simple fresh fruit bowl with a squeeze of lemon or lime to bring out its natural sweetness. You can easily add papaya to yogurt and top with nuts, seeds, flaked coconut and take it on the go. Add it to smoothies - a little banana, pineapple and papaya and you’ll be tasting the tropics in no time.
Pair it with eggs, a little meat and cheese and have it serve as the substitute to refined carbs on your plate. You can say see you another time to bread and breakfast potatoes by adding in fruit. Guaranteed you’ll enjoy having something sweet with your savory treats; it’s a nice way to balance your palate and try something new at breakfast.

Lunch + Dinner
Papaya can be sliced into lunch and dinner salads, served with a mild lettuce like Boston or Romaine, squeezed with lemon or lime and olive oil - a sprinkle of salt and some shredded rotisserie or grilled chicken. Turn it into a tropical salsa by adding pineapple, citrus and scallions! Scoop it on grain bowls, greens, fish tacos and more!

Now Go On And Get It
Versatile in its uses and loaded with numerous health benefits, let the beauty of papaya transport you and your well being to brighter days. Make the time to cut up some fruit first thing in the morning, your body and brain will not be upset about it.

XO