African Food and Art

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Tzaneen Pawpaw Coconut Chiller

Papaya is also called the fruit of the spirits and Coconuts are called the Tree of Life. Papaya and coconut together create a smooth sweet tropical drink recipe made for an African Safari vacation.

Tzaneen Pawpaw Coconut Chiller

Papaya, papaw or pawpaw has sweet flesh with pungent undertones. The flesh is also soft when ripe with a buttery texture. Papayas grow in all tropical and subtropical countries throughout the world including Africa.  

Coconuts are called the Tree of Life throughout the world because every part of the coconut is used for drinks, fiber, food, fuel, utensils, musical instruments, and much more. Perhaps the oldest reference of coconuts is from Cosmas, a 5th century AD Egyptian traveler. He wrote about the Indian nut after visiting India and Sri Lanka formerly known as Ceylon. Coconuts grow in regions are as far north as Hawaii and as far south as Africa's largest island of Madagascar.

Tzaneen Pawpaw Coconut Chiller Ingredients and Directions

African Recipes by The African Gourmet  

Tzaneen South Africa is rich with tropical fruits, such as bananas, pineapples, mangoes, and pawpaws. 

Ingredients
1/2 cup coconut milk  
1 large banana 
1 1/2 cup of diced fresh papaya  
Sugar optional
1 cup of crush ice, add more if needed
1/2 cup water if needed 

Directions

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Here are some little-known facts about papayas. 

Papayas are technically a berry.
Despite their size and shape, papayas are actually classified as a berry, since they have fleshy fruit and multiple seeds. 

They contain an enzyme that can tenderize meat.
Papayas contain an enzyme called papain, which can break down proteins and make meat more tender. In fact, papain is often used as a meat tenderizer in many cuisines. 

Papayas are high in Vitamin C.
Papayas are a good source of vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system, protect against cancer, and promote healthy skin. 

They come in both male and female plants.
 Papaya plants have separate male and female flowers, and both are needed for the fruit to develop. However, some varieties of papaya are self-fertile and can produce fruit without the need for a separate male plant. 

They can have a range of colors.
While most people associate papayas with their vibrant orange or pink color, papayas can actually range in color from green to yellow to red, depending on the variety and ripeness. 

Papayas can help with digestion.
In addition to papain, papayas also contain other enzymes that can aid in digestion and reduce inflammation in the gut. 

Papayas have been used medicinally for centuries.
Papayas have a long history of use in traditional medicine, and have been used to treat a variety of conditions, including wounds, digestive issues, and even malaria. 

No matter the color, papayas are a versatile and nutrient-rich fruit with many interesting and little-known facts. 

More drink recipes to whip up today.

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