Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya is located in a lush region of Mexico native to papaya trees. We serve many locally grown fruits and vegetables at our resort and always have fresh, ripe papayas on hand. The trees produce fruit all year making papaya an excellent ingredient in many of our favorite dishes.

Papaya has many excellent health benefits and is a rich source of minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Papaya is packed full of vitamin C as well as vitamin E and beta-carotene, three very powerful antioxidants. Papaya is also known to help prevent diabetes and heart disease.

The flesh of Mexican papaya has a  bright red or pink hue, but can range from a rich orange color to a yellowish tint. Papayas with yellow flesh tend to be sweeter than the red or pink fruits.  The inside of the fruit includes a black, round seeds encased in a gelatinous-like substance. The seeds are edible, but they have a bitter taste so most recipes remove the seeds.

Papayas can be enjoyed in many ways; eaten raw, cooked or mixed into a salad or salsa. Try this recipe for a sweet, yet spicy guacamole dip at home.  If you want it spicier, turn up the heat with a little more crushed red hot chilies.  

Caribbean Style Papaya Guacamole  

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp coconut, sweetened, flaked, dried
• 1 small firm-ripe papaya
• 1 large firm-ripe avocado
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 tbsp crushed dried red hot chilies

Directions

1. In a 7-8” frying pan, stir coconut over medium-high heat until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Pour from pan; set aside.
2. Cut papaya in half lengthwise. Discard seeds and peel. Then dice fruit into small cubes.
3. Cut avocado in half lengthwise. Discard pit and scoop avocado out of the skin.
4.  Mix papaya and avocado with lime juice, sugar, and red chilies. Sprinkle with coconut.
5. Serve with tortilla chips or spread on top of your favorite grilled chicken or seafood dish. Enjoy!