Papaya Seed Recipes

1 ripe avocado, scooped from skin
Rinsed seeds of one ripe papaya (about 2 tablespoons)
¼ cup white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ cup olive oil

Blend all ingredients except olive oil together until combined. Slowly pour in olive oil while blades are running a little at a time to allow the dressing to emulsify and thicken.

Thai Papaya Seed Dressing

Juice and zest of two limes
Rinsed seeds of one ripe papaya (about 2 tablespoons)
1 teaspoon finely chopped red chili
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon honey
2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Blend all ingredients except for the olive oil in a food processor or blender until the papaya seeds are fully broken up and resemble fresh cracked black pepper. With the blender or food processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until dressing is thickened. Refrigerate until needed. Adjust the amount of chilies and honey until you get the right balance of heat and sweet for your taste.

Papaya Seed Pesto

Rinsed seeds of one papaya (about 2 tablespoons)
4 cups of loosely packed basil leaves
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup pecans, finely chopped
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ cup olive oil

Blend the first six ingredients together in a food processor until combined into a uniform mixture. Slowly pour olive oil in, with blades running until pesto has a thick sauce-like consistency.

Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove

(serves 4)

This fabulous tropical cocktail provides the sweet musky flavors of papaya along with a peppery punch.

1 ripe Hawaiian papaya, seeded and peeled
Papaya seeds from one papaya, rinsed
6 ounces of gin
3 tablespoons lemon juice
5 mint leaves
16 ounces club soda
½ cup cubed ice

Blend all ingredients in a blender until combined. Serve in chilled martini glasses.

Gorgonzola Papaya Seed Spread

An unusual and savory spread to include on a cheese and cracker tray.

1 8-oz package of cream cheese
½ cup crumbled gorgonzola or other blue cheese
½ cup plain yogurt
Rinsed seeds of 1 papaya (about 2 tablespoons)
10 fresh mint leaves

Blend all ingredients thoroughly. If using as a vegetable dip, increase yogurt to 1 cup.

For more information on cooking with papaya seeds, see:

Whole Foods- Papayas

Cooks.com recipes- papaya seeds